Huzzie is the Razorbacks’ third verbal commitment in the 2027 class, joining 3-star running back Isaiah Stephens and 3-star offensive lineman Bradley Sturdivant, and joins Stephens as the second Hogs commitment for new coach Ryan Silverfield as his staff.

“I’m blessed to announce I’m 1000% committed” Huzzie said in his post on X (formerly Twitter) feed.

The 6-foot Huzzie is ranked 89^th nationally at his position by 247Sports Composite and chose Arkansas following an unofficial weekend visit to Fayetteville and over offers from Appalachian State, Florida Atlantic, South Florida, Troy and FIU among others.

Huzzie and the LaGrange Grangers went 11-3 in 2025, falling to Sandy Creek in the third round of the AAA Georgia state tournament.

Silverfield replaced the fired Sam Pittman at Arkansas on Nov. 30 and joined Arkansas after his Memphis Tigers lost to NC State in the Gasparilla Bowl in December. Silverfield went 50-25 overall and 27-21 in American Athletic Conference play during his seven seasons at Memphis.

Arkansas opens the 2026 season at home against North Alabama on Sept. 5 and travels to play Utah on Sept. 12. The Razorbacks begin SEC play Sept. 19 at home against Georgia.

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Arkansas adds commitment from Class of 2027 CB appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The conversation of interest started when Pate asked the Texas A&M head coach about the process it takes to achieve greatness in sports. Pate contextualized his question by pointing out the abundance of sports success stories you can find on the internet, and wondered how Elko keeps his players focused on the hard work and commitment it takes to actually achieve those goals.

Here’s what Elko had to say:

“We talk about that a lot. Okay, you see the 4-second highlight you’re chasing, you see the draft and the guy walking across the stage at the NFL draft, that stuff is on your feed constantly… how we getting there? At team meetings, it’s the old ‘if you wanna go to the NFL, raise your hand’…. it’s everybody, and it’s a reminder, like, just so you guys know, everyone and every team across America is doing this right now, it’s the people that are gonna leave this team room and do something about it that are gonna ultimately accomplish things.”

“Pulling entitlement out of players has always been a big part of growth. You only grow when you don’t feel you’re entitled to success. But now with NIL, it’s probably even harder to pull the entitlement away, but it’s critical because you have to understand that you only get success through work, that’s the only way you’re going to find it.”

Elko and Co. didn’t perform too well in the College Football Playoff, but the Aggies did take a noticeable jump from Year 1 to Year 2 under Elko. The Aggies won 11 games and won 11 straight games to open the year before flaming out in the final weeks of the season, losing to Texas by 10 in Austin and Miami by 7.

Several Aggies took Elko’s advice from above and will play their first season in the NFL in 2026. Here’s a quick look at the latest odds for certain players to be selected in the top 10 of next year’s draft:

Prediction Markets

Players Drafted Top 10 in 2026?

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Fernando Mendoza

99%

Arvell Reese

98%

David Bailey

97%

Jeremiyah Love

96%

Sonny Styles

92%

Carnell Tate

80%

Caleb Downs

80%

Rueben Bain Jr.

63%

Francis Mauigoa

62%

Mansoor Delane

53%

Predict

The post Mike Elko highlights importance of shedding entitlement on journey to success appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Sign up with a new account to automatically receive a $10 sign-up bonus. The best part about this is that no deposit is required- all you need to do is set up your new account and you will receive this bonus.

Every MLB team takes the diamond today as we get our first official full MLB slate, while there are also a good number of NBA games including a couple fun matchups between the Sixers vs. Heat and Pistons vs. Thunder. Of course, you can also get an early look at the Final Four, which features two awesome basketball games between Illinous vs. UConn and Arizona vs. Michigan. Use Dabble to place your favorite player prop entries across all of those games and more.

Sign up with Dabble promo code SDS2 to get started.

Dabble Promo Code SDS2 for $10 Fantasy Bonus

It does not get any easier to redeem a welcome bonus than this offer on Dabble, as all you need to do is sign up with a new account to unlock this $10 bonus. No initial deposit or entry is required, which is unique as most operators require one, or both, of those before releasing a bonus.

Once you have signed up and claimed the welcome offer, you can start placing your entries on Dabble on the MLB and NBA games tonight, while getting an early look at the Final Four this weekend.

How to Sign Up With the Dabble Promo Code SDS2

Creating a new account on Dabble is a quick and hassle-free process. Here is a step-by-step breakdown for new players:

• Head to the app using the links anywhere on this page start signing up. This will redirect players to a registration landing page.
• Apply promo code SDS2 to qualify for this offer.
• Create an account by filling out the required information sections (name, date of birth, email address, mailing address, etc.)
• Receive a $10 sign-up bonus for any game in the NBA, MLB, college basketball and more.

New players can also make a cash deposit using any of the preferred payment methods. Popular options include instant bank transfer, credit card, debit card, Apple Pay and PayPal.

NBA Schedule Preview Monday, March 30th

All in all, there are eight NBA games on the schedule tonight as these teams fight for playoff positioning. Here is the full schedule:

• Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat, 7 p.m. ET
• Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Chicago Bulls vs. San Antonio Spurs, 8 p.m. ET
• Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 8 p.m. ET
• Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks, 8:30 p.m. ET
• Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Utah Jazz, 9 p.m. ET
• Detroit Pistons vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 9:30 p.m. ET
• Washington Wizards vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m. ET

The post Dabble Promo Code SDS2: Get $10 Bonus for NBA, MLB, Final Four appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Winning 2 games in 48 hours in Indianapolis requires more than just a superstar performance from your leading scorer. It requires the glue players and the high-ceiling enigmas to play the best basketball of their lives.

Following our standard protocol, we are breaking down the field in ascending order, starting with the team facing the steepest uphill climb and ending with the betting favorite.

Here is the one player who must step up for each Final Four team to cut down the nets in Indianapolis.

No. 4: Illinois Fighting Illini

The Player: Tomislav Ivišić, Center

Brad Underwood’s 2025-26 squad is a masterclass in modern roster construction. While freshman sensation Keaton Wagler (17.9 PPG) has grabbed the headlines, the Illini’s ceiling in Indy is tethered directly to the broad shoulders of Tomislav Ivišić.

Throughout the regular season, Illinois thrived on high-scoring offense, averaging nearly 84 points per game. However, the Illini have a recurring struggle in their losses: defensive consistency against elite interior size. In their losses to Purdue and Michigan earlier this year, Ivišić was often played off the floor due to foul trouble or defensive lapses in the pick-and-roll.

To beat a team like UConn or Arizona, Ivišić needs to be a force in the paint. In the Round 2 win over VCU, we saw flashes of the “Dream Tomi” — a 7-footer who can stretch the floor (31.4% from deep) while protecting the rim. If he can provide something like 15 points and 8 rebounds while staying out of foul trouble, he allows Illinois to play its preferred 5-out offense without sacrificing the interior. If he falters, the Illini become a one-dimensional jump-shooting team that will struggle to survive a cold shooting night in a cavernous football stadium.

No. 3: UConn Huskies

The Player: Silas Demary Jr., Guard

Dan Hurley is aiming for a level of historical dominance we haven’t seen since the UCLA days. While Alex Karaban provides the veteran “been there, done that” leadership, and Malachi Smith has been a steady hand at point guard, dishing out 22 assists over 4 tournament games, the Huskies’ defensive identity starts with Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr.

In the Final Four, he needs to be more than just a defensive specialist. UConn’s offense has a tendency to stagnate when Karaban is double-teamed. We’ve seen Demary hesitate on open looks throughout the tournament, opting to reset the offense rather than attacking the rim. Part of that could be due to the fact that he’s playing through an ankle sprain suffered in the Big East Tournament. He doesn’t quite look 100% yet.

For UConn to win it all, Demary needs to exploit the gaps created by the attention paid to Karaban and freshman Braylon Mullins. He doesn’t need to score 25, but he needs to be a secondary playmaker who forces the defense to respect his drive. If Demary can contribute 12-14 points and lock down the opponent’s primary perimeter threat (like Michigan’s Roddy Gayle Jr. or Arizona’s Brayden Burries), the Huskies will be nearly impossible to outpace.

Who will win it all in Indy? Here’s the latest Kalshi market on the NCAA Tournament champion:

No. 2: Michigan Wolverines

The Player: Elliot Cadeau, Guard

While graduate forward Yaxel Lendeborg (the Big Ten Player of the Year) is the undisputed heartbeat of this team, the Wolverines’ offensive efficiency is dependent on the vision of Elliot Cadeau.

Cadeau, the high-profile transfer who found his footing in Ann Arbor, is arguably the best pure passer remaining in the field (33 assists in 4 tournament games). When he is under control, Michigan’s offense is a symphony of backdoor cuts and open corner 3s. But when Cadeau gets loose with the ball, the Wolverines can fall into turnover ruts that fuel opponent transition runs.

He needs to manage the tempo, feed Lendeborg in his spots, and most importantly, hit enough mid-range jumpers to keep defenses from sagging off him. If Cadeau finishes the weekend with a 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, the Wolverines have a chance to snap the Big Ten’s title drought.

No. 1: Arizona Wildcats

The Player: Tobe Awaka, Forward

Arizona enters Indianapolis as the statistical darling of the 2026 season. Tommy Lloyd has built a 36-2 juggernaut that plays faster and more efficiently than almost anyone in the country. Freshman stars Brayden Burries and Koa Peat get the NBA scouts in the building, but Tobe Awaka is the player who determines if this team has the grit to make it to Monday night and win.

Awaka is a throwback. In an era of stretch-4s and finesse-5s, he is a physical nightmare who treats every missed shot like a personal insult. He leads the team in rebounding (9.1 RPG) despite playing fewer minutes than the primary starters.

In the Final Four, games often get a bit more physical, and frequently slow down into half-court grinds. That suits Awaka just fine. For Arizona to get to the title game on Monday, Awaka needs to win the battle of the boards against Michigan’s stable of big men on Saturday. If he can provide 10 points on put-backs and limit the opposition to one shot per possession, Arizona’s superior talent on the perimeter will do the rest. He is the insurance policy that ensures a poor shooting night doesn’t result in an early flight back to Tucson.

The post 1 player who needs to step up for each Final Four team to win the national title appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Watch Alabama vs Michigan on FuboTV.

This game features a notable coaching storyline, as Oats and May share a 20-year friendship. The Crimson Tide must navigate this contest without guard Aden Holloway, who is suspended from team activities. Fans preparing for game day can read on to find the tip-off time, the Chicago location, the TV channels and the streaming options available for this broadcast.

When is Alabama vs Michigan? What time does it start?

The postseason game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines takes place on March 27, 2026. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. ET.

Where is Alabama vs Michigan?

This neutral-site contest is played at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Michigan Wolverines serve as the designated home team for the matchup. The Alabama Crimson Tide operate as the away team.

How can I watch Alabama vs Michigan?

Fans can watch the game on traditional television across two networks. The live broadcast is provided by TBS and truTV.

How can I stream Alabama vs Michigan?

The official streaming broadcast for this matchup is available on HBO Max. Because the game airs on TBS and truTV, the live feed is simulcast directly on that platform.

Viewers can also use live TV streaming platforms that carry these networks. Fans can stream the game through services such as FuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream.

Sweet 16 Matchup Preview

This Sweet 16 clash features a compelling coaching subplot, as Alabama’s Nate Oats and Michigan’s Dusty May share a friendship spanning more than 20 years that traces back to their days coaching in Michigan. On the court, the Wolverines bring the nation’s No. 1 seed in the Midwest region and a 31-3 record built around a physically dominant front line. Alabama counters as a battle-tested No. 4 seed that has navigated 14 different starting lineups this season while making its fourth straight Sweet 16 under Oats.

For those looking to take a position on the outcome, prediction markets, like Kalshi, offer a direct way to trade on the result. The market sentiment favors the Wolverines based on their dominant regular season and physical front line. Traders forecasting a different result can take a position on the Crimson Tide to advance.

Who will win Alabama vs Michigan?

Data from Kalshi on March 26th.

Alabama enters without junior guard Aden Holloway, who was suspended from team activities and did not travel with the team to Chicago. Despite those challenges, Oats expressed confidence that the Crimson Tide are “playing our best basketball” heading into the game.

According to the implied probabilities derived from current prediction markets on Kalshi, the Michigan Wolverines enter the contest as the clear mathematical favorites. They hold an 80.0 percent implied probability of securing the victory. Michigan has been dominant in the postseason, averaging 98.0 points per game through two rounds. The Wolverines’ physically imposing front line, described by Oats as “good as any in college basketball in recent history,” anchors a 31-3 squad that earned the No. 1 seed in the Midwest region.

The Alabama Crimson Tide hold a 20.0 percent implied win probability, making them the statistical underdogs in this neutral-site game. However, Alabama has shown its own offensive firepower, averaging 90.0 points per game in the postseason with a plus-22.5 scoring margin. This marks the Crimson Tide’s fourth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance under Oats, and the team has cycled through 14 different starting lineups this season, building depth and resilience. Alabama will need to match Michigan’s physicality on the boards and capitalize on its perimeter shooting to pull the upset.

The post How to Watch Alabama Crimson Tide vs Michigan: TV Channel, Time & Streaming Info appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Watch Arkansas vs Arizona on Paramount+.

This game centers on two top 15 AP ranked teams clashing in California as both rosters look to advance their postseason runs. As the Wildcats and Razorbacks prepare to meet on the court, fans will want to know exactly how to follow the action. Continue reading for all the essential broadcast details, including the scheduled tip time, the exact location, the national TV channel, and how to access streaming options for this matchup.

When is the Arkansas vs Arizona Game? What Time Does it Start?

The postseason matchup between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Arizona Wildcats is scheduled for March 26, 2026. Tip time is set for 9:45 PM ET.

Where is the Arkansas vs Arizona Game?

This postseason matchup is being played at the SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, California. Because this is a neutral site event, the Arizona Wildcats are officially designated as the home team, while the Arkansas Razorbacks will serve as the away team.

How can I Watch the Arkansas vs Arizona game?

The postseason matchup between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Arizona Wildcats will be broadcast nationally on television. Viewers can watch the game live by tuning in directly to CBS. Fans planning to follow the event should check their local television listings for the specific CBS network affiliate carrying the broadcast in their area.

How can I Stream the Arkansas vs Arizona game?

Since the matchup between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Arizona Wildcats is airing on CBS, viewers can stream the live broadcast directly through Paramount+. The network provides a live feed of the local CBS broadcast for subscribers on its premium tier.

In addition to Paramount+, fans have several other live TV streaming options that carry CBS. Viewers planning to use one of these platforms to stream the game should confirm that the local CBS station is available in their specific regional market prior to tip.

• Paramount+ – Direct live feed of the CBS broadcast (premium tier required)
• FuboTV – Includes local CBS affiliates in standard channel packages
• Sling – Includes local CBS affiliates in standard channel packages
• YouTube TV – Includes local CBS affiliates in standard channel packages
• Hulu + Live TV – Includes local CBS affiliates in standard channel packages
• DIRECTV STREAM – Includes local CBS affiliates in standard channel packages

Who Will Win the Arkansas vs Arizona Game?

Data from Kalshi on March 24th.

Based on the latest Kalshi prediction market data, the Arizona Wildcats are projected as the favored team. Forecasters currently give the Wildcats a 76% implied probability of securing the victory. The Arkansas Razorbacks enter the contest as the underdog, with market predictions reflecting a 24% implied probability of winning. These percentages indicate that prediction market participants consider Arizona significantly more likely to advance in this matchup.

The post How to Watch Arkansas vs Arizona: TV Channel, Time, & Postseason Stream Details appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Watch Texas vs Purdue on Paramount+.

This game tests Purdue against a Texas roster carrying late-season momentum. For fans looking to follow the action, continue reading to find all the essential broadcast information. This includes the exact tip-off time, the arena location, the CBS television channel assignment, and available streaming options to watch the game live.

When is Texas vs Purdue? What Time Does It Start?

The postseason game between the Texas Longhorns and the Purdue Boilermakers is scheduled for March 26, 2026.

Tip-off is set for 7:10 PM ET, which is 4:10 PM PT local time.

Where is Texas vs Purdue?

This matchup takes place at the SAP Center at San Jose, located in San Jose, California.

Because this is a neutral-site event, the Purdue Boilermakers will act as the designated home team. The Texas Longhorns will serve as the designated away team for the contest.

How Can I Watch Texas vs Purdue?

The postseason matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the Purdue Boilermakers will broadcast on national television. Fans can watch the game live on CBS.

The network will provide full coverage of the neutral-site contest leading up to the scheduled 7:10 PM ET tip-off. Viewers can check their local television listings to find the specific CBS channel in their area.

How Can I Stream Texas vs Purdue?

For fans preferring to stream the matchup, the CBS television broadcast is accessible through multiple digital platforms. Because CBS is the primary network for this game, the broadcast is available directly through a Paramount+. Subscribers can use the platform to stream their live local CBS feed.

In addition to Paramount+, viewers without traditional cable can watch the game through live TV streaming services such as Fubo and Sling that carry CBS. These platforms include local broadcast options in their subscription packages. Viewers should verify that CBS is available in their specific media market on these services prior to tip-off.

Game Preview: Who Will Win Texas vs Purdue?

Data from Kalshi on March 24th.

Based on the latest data from the Kalshi prediction market, Purdue is mathematically more likely to win this matchup. The forecasting platform gives the Boilermakers a 74% implied probability of securing the victory.

Conversely, the Texas Longhorns enter the contest with a 26% implied probability of winning the game. The prediction market clearly establishes the Boilermakers as the favorite while positioning the Longhorns as the underdog.

The post How to Watch Texas vs Purdue: TV Channel, Stream, & Tip-Off Time appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Watch Kentucky vs Iowa State on Paramount+.

Meanwhile, Iowa State dominated their first game but lost star forward Joshua Jefferson to a left ankle sprain. Jefferson is unlikely to play, forcing head coach T.J. Otzelberger to rely on his team depth. Kentucky head coach Mark Pope looks to capitalize on this shift while keeping his team focused.

Fans wanting to catch every minute of this game can find all the details below. Keep reading to discover the scheduled tip-off time, arena location, live television channel, and available streaming options.

When is Kentucky vs Iowa State? What Time Does It Start?

The second round game between the Kentucky Wildcats and Iowa State Cyclones takes place on March 22, 2026. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:45 PM ET.

Where Is Kentucky vs Iowa State?

This neutral-site contest is located at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, MO. The Iowa State Cyclones are the designated home team for the event. The Kentucky Wildcats serve as the away team.

How can I watch Kentucky vs Iowa State?

Fans wanting to view the matchup between the Wildcats and Cyclones can tune in on standard television. The game is broadcast live nationally on CBS.

How can I stream Kentucky vs Iowa State?

Viewers without a traditional cable package can stream the CBS broadcast online. The network offers a live feed through its branded streaming platform, Paramount+.

You can also find the game on several alternative live television streaming services that carry local CBS affiliates. These platforms include YouTube TV, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling.

Who will win?

Data from Kalshi on March 21st.

When looking at the prediction markets on Kalshi, the numbers show a clear favorite. The Iowa State Cyclones hold a 65% implied probability of winning the game. The Kentucky Wildcats trail with a 35% implied probability of securing the upset.

You can make your own prediction market picks by using a Kalshi promo code. Despite the injury concerns for Iowa State, the prediction market data indicates they are still the more likely team to advance to the next round.

The post How to Watch Kentucky vs Iowa State: Tip-Off Time & Broadcast Channel appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The junior forward took a feed from Tramon Mark in the right corner and buried that 3-pointer that gave the 11th-seeded Longhorns a 4-point cushion with 14.7 seconds left in Saturday night’s West Region thriller in Portland. It was the shot of the game and the moment of the night, and the 3rd-seeded Bulldogs had nothing left in the final seconds, misfiring at the other end after Heide’s heroics as Texas ran off with a 74-68 victory that put the Longhorns into the Sweet 16.

Yes, the same Longhorns who had to trudge up to Dayton, Ohio, on Tuesday night for a First Four game against NC State. Texas survived that opening battle, with none other than Mark hitting a last-second shot in that 68-66 victory, sending the Longhorns out to Portland for a first-round matchup against No. 6 seed BYU.

The Cougars couldn’t contain the surging Horns on Thursday night, with Texas winning comfortably this time, 79-71, to get a crack at Gonzaga in the second round. The March Madness magic continued on Saturday night against the favored Bulldogs, the perennial power from the West Coast Conference, and now the Longhorns are headed for a Sweet 16 matchup against either No. 2 seed Purdue or No. 7 seed Miami.

The Boilermakers and Hurricanes will do battle on Sunday afternoon in St. Louis, and Texas will surely be watching to see who it’ll face next Thursday night in the regional semifinals in San Jose, Calif. The Longhorns, who limped into the NCAA Tournament at just 18-14, are suddenly 21-14 and playing with house money as a double-digit seed in the Sweet 16.

They can thank a lot of people for that, with Heide at the top of the list after his late, clutch shot buried Gonzaga.

Gonzaga was 31-3 coming into Saturday’s second-round matchup, but that didn’t matter to Sean Miller’s gritty team. Heide only played 13 minutes, with him finishing with as many fouls (3) as points (3), but that didn’t matter either after he saved his best for last.

Texas clicked on offense, shooting 52% from the field, and it shared the ball so well as a team, finishing with 20 assists and just 5 turnovers.

The Longhorns had 4 players in double figures, led by Matas Vokietaitis and Jordan Pope, who each scored 17 points, with Vokietaitis adding 9 rebounds. Dailyn Swain stuffed the stat sheet on Saturday night, finishing with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, while Nic Codie chipped in 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists off the bench.

Meanwhile, Gonzaga got 25 points in 39 minutes from Graham Ike, but Texas shut down everybody else, with Jalen Warley being the only other Bulldog in double figures with 10 points.

Gonzaga only made 4 3-pointers all night, as the Horns kept the Bulldogs’ offense at bay just enough to escape at the end with the victory and a most stunning trip to the Sweet 16 in Miller’s first season in Austin.

With Texas alive and well after its journey from the First Four, here is what the Kalshi market currently sees for the top teams in the mix to get all the way to the Final Four:

The post Cam Heide hits late dagger to advance 11-seed Texas to the Sweet 16 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Watch Georgia vs. Saint Louis on Paramount+.

Fans are eager to see if the Bulldogs can advance past the opening round for the first time in over two decades or if the Billikens will capitalize on their resilient tournament run. For viewers looking to follow the action, this guide covers the essential details. Continue reading to find the exact tip-off time, venue location information, how to watch the television broadcast on CBS, and available streaming options so you do not miss a moment of this matchup.

When is Georgia vs Saint Louis? What time does it Start?

The postseason matchup between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Saint Louis Billikens is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026. Tip-off is set for 9:45 PM ET. This late-evening contest takes place in Buffalo, New York.

Where is Georgia vs Saint Louis?

This neutral-site postseason game takes place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. For this tournament bracket matchup, Georgia is officially designated as the home team. Saint Louis serves as the away team.

How can I Watch Georgia vs Saint Louis?

Fans looking to watch the postseason matchup between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Saint Louis Billikens can view the game on television on CBS. The national television broadcast is being carried directly by the CBS network. Check your local provider listings to confirm the exact channel for CBS in your viewing area.

How can I Stream Georgia vs Saint Louis?

Since the game is broadcast on CBS, cord-cutters have multiple options to stream the matchup live. The primary dedicated streaming platform for CBS broadcasts is Paramount+. Viewers can stream the live feed of their local CBS station directly through the Paramount+ app on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and web browsers.

If you do not have a Paramount+ subscription, you can still stream the game using various live TV streaming services that carry the CBS network. Platforms such as FuboTV, Sling, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream include local CBS affiliates in their standard subscription packages.

Georgia vs Saint Louis Game Preview and Market Predictions

This matchup features two teams that prefer a fast pace on the court. Georgia leans on its SEC roster, while Saint Louis relies on its A-10 championship momentum and unique offensive structures. For those following prediction markets, Kalshi indicates a higher probability for the Bulldogs to advance. The market forecasts align with Georgia holding the statistical advantage over Saint Louis heading into the contest.

Georgia vs Saint Louis: Who will win?

Georgia is seeking its first opening-round win in over two decades, while Saint Louis rides the momentum of a 28-5 season and an A-10 co-championship. The Bulldogs’ SEC pedigree and slight edge in seeding give them a narrow advantage, but the Billikens’ late-season resilience, including a historic comeback in the A-10 Tournament, makes them a dangerous underdog.

Data from Kalshi on March 17th.

Based on the current win probabilities, the Georgia Bulldogs have a 56 percent implied probability of winning this game. The Saint Louis Billikens hold a 44 percent implied win probability. These converted percentages indicate that Georgia is the mathematical favorite and more likely to secure the victory.

The post How to Watch Georgia vs Saint Louis Billikens: TV Channel & NCAA Postseason Tip-Off Time appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Texas finished tenth in the SEC with a 9-9 conference record, while NC State wrapped up its ACC schedule at 10-8. Fans and analysts have discussed this game as the “FBI Bowl” due to past controversies surrounding head coaches Sean Miller and Will Wade. It also serves as a direct rematch of their November meeting at the Maui Invitational, where Texas secured a 102-97 victory. Keep reading for everything you need to know ahead of tip off, including the official start time, the venue location, the TV channel, and how to stream the game live.

When is Texas vs NC State? What Time Does It Start?

The First Four matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the NC State Wolfpack is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Tip off is set for 9:15 PM ET. The game takes place at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.

Where is Texas vs NC State?

The postseason game between Texas and NC State is being played at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. Because this event is a neutral site contest, neither program is playing on its actual home court. For the purposes of this matchup, the NC State Wolfpack serve as the designated home team, while the Texas Longhorns take the floor as the away team.

How Can I Watch Texas vs NC State?

Fans looking to follow the NCAA Men’s Basketball matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the NC State Wolfpack can watch the game live on truTV. As the designated television network for this contest, truTV provides the broadcast feed when the teams take the court. Check your local listings to confirm the exact channel number for truTV through your cable or satellite provider ahead of the scheduled 9:15 PM ET tip off.

How Can I Stream Texas vs NC State?

With the matchup airing on truTV, viewers have direct streaming options through the network’s digital platforms. For those looking for alternatives to traditional cable, several live TV streaming services carry truTV, including Sling TV. You can check with your preferred live TV streaming service to access the network and watch the 9:15 PM ET broadcast.

Who Will Win Texas vs NC State?

Data from Kalshi on March 16th.

This First Four showdown is a virtual coin flip. Both teams limp into Dayton on losing streaks, with Texas dropping five of its last six games and NC State losing nine of its final 11 to close the regular season. Their earlier meeting at the Maui Invitational produced a 102-97 Texas victory fueled by scorching three-point shooting (16-of-32 from deep). Fans can use Kalshi to track these implied probabilities and make their own predictions on the outright winner as tip-off approaches.

The post How to Watch the Texas Longhorns vs NC State: TV Channel, Time, & First Four Broadcast Info appeared first on Saturday Down South.

When is the Kentucky vs Florida game? What time does it start?

The SEC Tournament matchup between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Florida Gators is scheduled for March 13, 2026. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM ET in Nashville, Tennessee.

Where is the Kentucky vs Florida game?

The game is being played at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Because this is a neutral-site conference tournament matchup, the Florida Gators serve as the designated home team, while the Kentucky Wildcats take the court as the designated away team.

How can I Watch the Kentucky vs Florida game?

The conference tournament matchup between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Florida Gators will be broadcast on television. Viewers can watch the game live directly on ESPN, which is the single television network scheduled to carry the broadcast for this event.

How can I Stream the Kentucky vs Florida game?

With the matchup scheduled to broadcast on ESPN, viewers can stream the game directly through the official ESPN app or via ESPN.com. Accessing the live feed on these branded platforms typically requires users to authenticate their account with a participating pay-TV provider login.

For fans utilizing cord-cutting alternatives, ESPN is widely available across major live television streaming platforms. You can stream the tournament game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Florida Gators by subscribing to services that carry the ESPN network, including FuboTV and Sling TV (available via the Sling Orange package). Other participating platforms include Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream.

Kentucky vs Florida Matchup Preview

Florida swept the regular-season series against Kentucky, leaning on players like Thomas Haugh, who recently returned from an injury to score 20 points in their last meeting. However, Kentucky guard Otega Oweh proved to be a tough matchup for the Gators, putting up 28 points in that same game. Fans looking to back their knowledge of these rosters can use Kalshi, a prediction market where users can forecast the outright winner of the game. With Kentucky attempting a five-wins-in-five-days title run and Florida defending its status as the top overall seed, the matchup offers a clear opportunity to test your insights on Kalshi.

Who will win?

Data from Kalshi on March 12th.

The Florida Gators are the favorites to advance with a higher likelihood of winning this conference tournament matchup with an implied win probability of 82%. On the other side, the Kentucky Wildcats enter the game as underdogs with an implied win probability of 18%.

The post How to Watch the Kentucky Wildcats vs Florida Gators: Time, TV Channel & SEC Tournament Details appeared first on Saturday Down South.

When is Texas A&M vs Oklahoma? What Time Does it Start?

The conference tournament matchup between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Oklahoma Sooners is scheduled for March 12, 2026. Tip-off is officially set for 9:30 PM ET.

Where Is Texas A&M vs Oklahoma?

This neutral-site game is being played at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. For this tournament contest, the Texas A&M Aggies serve as the designated home team, and the Oklahoma Sooners are the designated away team.

How Can I Watch Texas A&M vs Oklahoma?

Fans planning to follow the SEC Tournament action live on television can find the game broadcast on the SEC Network.

How Can I Stream Texas A&M vs Oklahoma?

Because the SEC Network is broadcasting the game, the primary branded streaming destinations are the ESPN app and ESPN.com. Viewers can access the live feed by authenticating with a participating cable or satellite provider.

If you do not have a traditional cable package, several live TV streaming services carry the SEC Network. You can stream the matchup on platforms like FuboTV and Sling TV, as well as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream. Be sure to verify that your specific subscription tier or add-on package includes the network before tip-off.

Texas A&M vs Oklahoma Game Preview

Before locking in any predictions on Kalshi, it helps to evaluate how these two rosters compare. Texas A&M holds an advantage this season, having beaten Oklahoma twice already behind strong offensive output from guard Rylan Griffen. However, Oklahoma is playing well late in the schedule. The Sooners recently overcame a double-digit deficit in the first round and feature a balanced scoring attack led by Nijel Pack. Texas A&M will rely on forward Rashaun Agee to secure rebounds, while Oklahoma needs its defense to continue creating turnovers.

Who Will Win?

The Texas A&M Aggies are the statistical favorites to win this neutral-site game an implied win probability of 55% on Kalshi. The Oklahoma Sooners sit with a 45% implied probability of securing the victory. These percentages indicate that Texas A&M is the more likely team to advance, but the narrow margin points to a closely contested matchup between the two programs.

The post How to Watch Texas A&M vs Oklahoma: SEC Network TV Channel & Tip-Off Time appeared first on Saturday Down South.

When is the Tennessee vs Auburn Matchup? What Time Does It Start?

The conference tournament game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Auburn Tigers is scheduled for March 12, 2026.

Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM ET. This neutral-site contest will be played at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Where Is the Tennessee vs Auburn Game?

This conference tournament matchup takes place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Although the game is being played at a neutral site, the Tennessee Volunteers are the designated home team for the event, while the Auburn Tigers serve as the designated away team.

How Can I Watch the Tennessee vs Auburn Matchup?

Fans planning to tune into the conference tournament game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Auburn Tigers can watch the event on television. The matchup will be broadcast live on the SEC Network. Viewers should check with their television provider to find the specific channel number for the SEC Network in their area.

How Can I Stream the Tennessee vs Auburn Matchup?

With the game airing on the SEC Network, fans have multiple ways to stream the Tennessee Volunteers and Auburn Tigers matchup. The broadcast is available digitally through the ESPN app and ESPN.com. To watch the live feed on these platforms, viewers will need to authenticate their access by logging in with credentials from a participating pay-TV provider.

If you do not have a standard cable or satellite package, you can still stream the SEC Network through several live television streaming services. Platforms that currently carry the channel include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling TV. Sling TV typically requires the Sports Extra add-on. Viewers should verify their specific subscription packages to ensure the SEC Network is included in their channel lineup before the game begins.

Who Will Win? Tennessee vs Auburn Win Probabilities

Data from Kalshi on March 12th.

The Tennessee Volunteers are the projected favorites to win this conference tournament matchup with an implied win probability of 69%. Conversely, the Auburn Tigers enter the contest as the underdogs with an implied win probability of 33.3%. If you are planning to visit Kalshi to lock in your game predictions, Tennessee is mathematically more likely to secure the victory based on these figures, though Auburn carries strong motivation as they look to build their postseason resume.

The post How to Watch Tennessee vs Auburn Tigers: SEC Network Channel & Tournament Game Time appeared first on Saturday Down South.

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Dabble Promo Code SDS2 for NBA Bonus Tuesday

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NBA Games Tuesday, March 10th

The NBA makes sure to reward us on Tuesday’s, consistently a day where we have a ton of NBA games to dive into. That is no different today, with a total of 11 NBA games to check out, with the full schedule listed below:

• Memphis Grizzlies vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 7 p.m. ET
•  Washington Wizards vs. Miami Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Detroit Pistons vs. Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Dallas Mavericks vs. Atlanta Hawks, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Toronto Raptors vs. Houston Rockets, 8 p.m. ET
• Boston Celtics vs. San Antonio Spurs, 8 p.m. ET
• Phoenix Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 8 p.m. ET
• Chicago Bulls vs. Golden State Warriors, 10 p.m. ET
• Charlotte Hornets vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 10 p.m. ET
• Indiana Pacers vs. Sacramento Kings, 10 p.m. ET
• Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 11 p.m. ET

How to Sign Up and Redeem the Dabble Promo Code SDS2

It only takes new customers a few minutes to create an account. Take these easy steps on Friday to lock-in an instant bonus for picks this weekend.

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The post Dabble Promo Code SDS2: Claim $10 Bonus Celtics-Spurs, NBA Picks appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Alabama is going for the season series sweep after rallying in the second half to win at Auburn 96-92 on Feb. 7.

Alabama (22-8, 12-5 SEC) is looking to bounce back after Georgia ended its 8-game winning streak earlier this week. Auburn (16-14, 7-10 SEC) is fighting for its postseason life. Fresh off a morale-boosting win over LSU, Steven Pearl’s team is firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble and desperate for a signature road victory to polish a shaky resume.

This matchup features a fascinating duel between two of the SEC’s most dynamic scorers. Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. scored 25 in the first game vs. the Tigers and is averaging 21.5 points per game. He squares off against Auburn forward Keyshawn Hall, who leads the Tigers with 20.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest.

With championship seeding and tournament bids on the line, we analyze the metrics, trends and Kalshi markets to reveal the best play for Auburn at Alabama.

Auburn vs Alabama Odds

Spread and total odds are consensus figures. Moneyline odds provided by DraftKings. All odds are subject to change.

The betting market lists Alabama as an 8.5-point favorite. For a spread bet on the Tide to cash, they must win by nine points or more. Conversely, Auburn backers will cash their tickets if the Tigers win outright or lose by eight points or fewer. The total is set at a lofty 176.5, a testament to the lightning-fast pace Alabama prefers to play.

For those newer to sports betting, the “-110” odds indicate the standard “vig” or juice charged by sportsbooks. It implies a break-even probability of roughly 52.38%, though the “no-vig” probability in a balanced market sits at 50% for either side. In practical terms, a $5 wager on Alabama to cover the spread (or Auburn to beat it) would return a profit of approximately $4.55, for a total payout of $9.55.

The prediction site Kalshi also has moneyline markets on Alabama vs. Auburn.

At Kalshi, you can purchase an Alabama to win contract for $0.78 per, which equates to -355 odds, which is a better value than some sportsbooks. Auburn to win contracts are trading for $0.24, which equates to +317 odds.

Alabama vs Auburn Statistical Breakdown

The defining statistic in this matchup is 3-point volume. While both teams shoot similar percentages from the floor (Alabama 45.7%, Auburn 46.0%), the distribution of those shots is vastly different. Alabama has launched 1,075 3-pointers this season compared to Auburn’s 697. This mathematical advantage allows Alabama to bury opponents quickly; they have made 153 more 3-pointers than Auburn this season.

The Tide made 12 3-pointers in the narrow win at Auburn; the Tigers hit 9. That 9-point difference helped Alabama win by 4 points.

Defensively, neither team is elite, which explains the high total. Alabama surrenders 83.6 points per game, often trading baskets to maintain its tempo. Auburn allows nearly 80 points per game, a dangerous metric when facing an offense that converts free throws at a 77.1% clip. The discrepancy in RPI helps illustrate the gap in résumé quality; Alabama (No. 11) has consistently handled a brutal schedule (0.6112 SOS), while Auburn (No. 51) has faltered against top-tier competition, evidenced by its 2-7 road record.

If Auburn intends to pull off the upset, they must leverage Keyshawn Hall in the paint to exploit Alabama’s defense, which gave up 40 paint points in the recent loss to Georgia. However, if the game becomes a perimeter shootout, the numbers heavily favor the home side.

Best Bet: Alabama -7.5 ($0.55 per contract at Kalshi)

Kalshi has several markets involving the spread. Our analysis favors Alabama -7.5 points, which is trading at $0.55 per contract. A $10 investment in this contract would produce a $9 profit if the Tide cover.

Here’s why we like it: In this rivalry scenario, the disparity in venue performance provides the strongest betting angle. Alabama is a different beast at Coleman Coliseum, boasting an 11-3 home record. In contrast, Auburn has been dismal on the road (2-7). While the “Iron Bowl” narrative suggests a close game, the data points to a comfortable Alabama victory.

Alabama’s offense is designed to break games open — especially if the Tide’s shooters get hot. Philon Jr. (21.5 PPG) has emerged as a legitimate star, and despite lingering injury concerns, his 26-point performance against Georgia proves he remains lethal.

Furthermore, the narrative surrounding Auburn suggests a team in turmoil. Fan frustration has mounted regarding Keyshawn Hall’s defensive consistency, and the team’s bubble status adds immense pressure that often leads to forced shots and turnovers in hostile environments.

Alabama’s average scoring margin of +8.4 aligns well with this spread. Expect the Tide to feed off the Senior Night energy, exploit Auburn’s road woes, and cover the number to gain momentum heading into the SEC Tournament.

The post Auburn at Alabama: Prediction for Iron Bowl of Basketball appeared first on Saturday Down South.

New customers who use the Dabble promo code will receive a free $10 bonus when signing up. Win up to 5,000X your money by making picks on points, rebounds, assists and other stats.

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The post Dabble Promo Code SDS2: Get $10 Instant Bonus for NBA Fantasy Entries appeared first on Saturday Down South.

ESPN’s Rece Davis, who worked with Holtz during their time at the Worldwide Leader, shared a particularly humorous story about the former Notre Dame coach during an interview with David Pollack on Friday.

During Holtz’s prime at ESPN, Davis hosted a courtroom-style debate show called “Final Verdict” featuring Holtz and fellow ESPN colleague Mark May. As Davis tells the story, one week he wrote a parody of a scene from the film, “A Few Good Men” starring Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise.

RELATED: Looking to join a new DFS app? Here’s SDS’s full Underdog review as well as an Underdog promo code to help you get started!

Holtz was initially annoyed with his part because he felt May was getting better lines. However, Davis says he eventually came around due to feedback from fans.

“I thought [May] would probably pull of the Nicholson role better and Lou was furious at the end of taping that. Because he felt like he didn’t have a big enough role. He didn’t like his part,” Davis said. “Even though I told him, ‘you’re the Tom Cruise role,’ that didn’t matter because he’d never seen the movie.

“So he left mad that Saturday night and I thought, ‘well, I’m going to have to smooth that over next week.’ He comes back in the next week and he’s happy as a clam. Talking about how great ‘Final Verdict’ was last week. And I said ‘I thought you were mad when you left last week?’

“He goes ‘you know what, four ladies in the airport stopped me and told me I looked better than Tom Cruise.'”

Here’s a clip of Davis’s story:

The post Rece Davis tells hilarious Lou Holtz story from ‘Final Verdict’ show appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Fans looking to catch every moment of the action can find all the necessary viewing information right here. We break down the 2:00 PM ET tip-off time, the specific TV channel assignment on ESPN, and available streaming options to ensure you don’t miss a minute of the Wildcats hosting the Commodores.

When is Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt? What time does it start?

This SEC matchup between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Vanderbilt Commodores is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026.

• Date: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
• Tip-Off Time: 2:00 PM ET
• Location: Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY

The game will take place at Rupp Arena, serving as the battleground for this late-season conference contest.

Where is Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt being played?

The Kentucky Wildcats will host this conference matchup against the visiting Vanderbilt Commodores at Rupp Arena.

• Venue: Rupp Arena
• Location: Lexington, KY

The game takes place in Lexington, Kentucky, serving as a home contest for the Wildcats as they welcome their SEC rivals to town.

How can I watch Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt?

For fans looking to catch this conference clash, the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

• TV Channel: ESPN

The network will carry the live feed starting at 2:00 PM ET, ensuring viewers can follow the action as the Kentucky Wildcats and Vanderbilt Commodores face off.

How can I stream Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt?

With the game being broadcast on ESPN, fans have several reliable options to stream the action live as the Kentucky Wildcats host the Vanderbilt Commodores.

For those with a cable or satellite login, the primary way to stream the game is through the network’s own digital platforms. You can watch the live feed via the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, or visit ESPN.com to watch directly in your web browser.

If you have cut the cord, ESPN is a staple on most major live TV streaming services. You can catch the 2:00 PM EST tip-off on platforms like FuboTV and Sling that carry the channel.

Ensure your specific subscription package includes ESPN to access the broadcast of this SEC matchup.

Kalshi Outlook: Who will win Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt?

According to current market outlooks on Kalshi, the Kentucky Wildcats and the Vanderbilt Commodores are in a dead heat, both sitting at 50%.

The projected outcome suggests an incredibly tight battle. While the Wildcats may have the slight edge, bolstered by their home-court advantage, the probabilities indicate this SEC showdown is nearly a toss-up.

The post How to Watch Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt: TV Channel, Start Time, and Streaming for SEC Matchup appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Arkansas (20-7, 10-4 SEC) hopes to defend its stellar 14-1 home record at Bud Walton Arena. Texas A&M (19-8, 9-5 SEC) has won 2 in a row and hopes to improve its postseason resume.

Arkansas is riding the momentum of freshman sensation Darius Acuff Jr. (22.2 points per game). The Aggies counter with a gritty physical presence inside, led by Rashaun Agee (nearly 9 rebounds a night).

We analyze the recent trends and odds and provide the best betting advice for Texas A&M at Arkansas.

Texas A&M vs Arkansas Odds

The latest consensus betting odds for this SEC clash favor the home team, positioning Arkansas as a significant favorite over the visiting Aggies.

Oddsmakers have set the spread at 7.5 points, meaning Arkansas needs to win by 8 or more to cover the number. Texas A&M backers can cash their tickets if the Aggies win outright or lose by 7 points or fewer. The total is set at a lofty 170.5, signaling expectations for a track meet.

Stripping away the “vig” (the sportsbook’s fee) gives us the implied win probability for each squad:

• Arkansas: 76.7%
• Texas A&M: 23.4%

For those new to the betting window, the moneyline is simply a wager on who wins the game straight up. Because Arkansas is a heavy favorite (-402), the return is modest compared to the underdog Aggies (+310).

• A $10 bet on Arkansas to win would profit approximately $2.48.
• A $10 bet on Texas A&M to pull off the upset would profit $31.

Of course, Kalshi also has markets available for this game. You can buy an Arkansas contract at $0.78 per, and Texas A&M to win at $0.24. This means you would stand to win $0.22 for each Arkansas contract purchased, should the Hogs win, while you would stand to profit $0.74 on each Texas A&M contract, should the Aggies win. This means a $10 investment in Arkansas at Kalshi would profit $2 if the Hogs win. Similarly, a $10 investment in Texas A&M would produce a $29 profit if the Aggies pull off the shocking upset.

Texas A&M vs Arkansas Tale of the Tape

Who has the edge in tonight’s SEC showdown?

The stats suggest we are in for a shootout.

The “Strength of Schedule” and “Record vs. RPI Top 50” rows paint the clearest picture. Arkansas has a significantly higher RPI and better record vs RPI Top 50 teams.

Texas A&M vs Arkansas Best Bets

We’ve established the moneyline vs. straight-up winner markets at Kalshi.

But it’s always worth exploring the spread, too.

Pick: Arkansas -8.5 ($0.50 per contract at Kalshi)

While Texas A&M has a respectable road resume, the gap in quality wins makes the home favorite the play here. The Razorbacks are 14-1 on their home floor — and they are 8-5 ATS as a home favorite.

The most critical angle for this bet is the disparity in performance against top-tier teams. The Aggies have struggled to punch up this season, evidenced by a 1-6 record against RPI Top 50 opponents. Arkansas has navigated a much tougher schedule (.5986 SOS) and secured 5 wins against that same caliber of team.

Arkansas’ average scoring differential is +11.6, well clear of this 8.5-point market. With Darius Acuff Jr. playing like a lottery pick and Trevon Brazile providing the rim protection (1.69 blocks per game) needed to neutralize A\&M’s interior attack, the Hogs have the tools to extend the lead late. Expect the Razorbacks to feed off the home crowd and expose the gap between a good team and a contender. Lay the points.

A $10 investment at Kalshi in Arkansas -8.5 contracts would profit $9 if the Aggies cover.

Pick: Over 170.5 ($0.51 per contract at Kalshi)

This total feels like a formality for two of the SEC’s most prolific offenses. Arkansas leads the way at 89.9 points per game, while Texas A&M is right behind at 88.9 PPG — a combined average of 178.8 points, clearing this number by more than 8 full points. Neither team is interested in slowing the game down, and neither defense is built to force one. The Razorbacks allow 78.3 points per game, while the Aggies surrender 78.2.

Arkansas wing Karter Knox is out indefinitely after meniscus surgery. His absence thins an already short John Calipari rotation to 7-8 players, which could lead to fatigue-driven defensive breakdowns late in the game — a boon for the Over.

A $10 investment in Kalshi contracts on the Over would profit $8 if it hits.

The post Texas A&M at Arkansas: Preview and best bets appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Underdog Promo Code SOUTH for NBA Action

Tonight gives us a classic Eastern Conference clash with the Knicks hosting the Pistons. Whether you’re streaming it on Amazon Prime Video or catching the local feed on MSG, there is nothing better than having a little skin in the game. By using the offer below, fans can grab those bonus entries to target some of the player props I’ve got my eye on tonight.

The Details: How the Bonus Works

This welcome offer is about as straightforward as it gets. By signing up and playing just $5, new Underdog customers are instantly credited with $75 in bonus entries. You don’t have to wait for your bet to settle; the bonus hits your account immediately, meaning you can fire on the 7:30 PM EST tip-off at MSG or save the ammo for later in the week.

Just keep in mind this is exclusively for new Underdog customers who are in a participating state where fantasy sports are legal. If you meet the age requirements and you’re ready to enhance your viewing experience for the 2025 Regular Season, this is the way to do it.

How to Use Your Underdog NBA Promo Tonight

We have a focused slate tonight with the Knicks hosting the Pistons and the Celtics visiting the Warriors. I’ve crunched the numbers, and there are some serious opportunities on the board. Here are the five players with the highest point totals for tonight’s action:

• Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics) vs. Golden State Warriors: 28.5 Points
• Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks) vs. Detroit Pistons: 26.5 Points
• Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) @ New York Knicks: 24.5 Points
• Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks) vs. Detroit Pistons: 18.5 Points
• Payton Pritchard (Boston Celtics) vs. Golden State Warriors: 18.5 Points

The Strategy: What We’re Watching

The biggest storyline for us tonight is in the late game with the Celtics. Jaylen Brown has the highest line of the night at 28.5 points, and for good reason. He is already in excellent form, averaging 28.0 points over his last four games, and tonight he creates the offense. And Pritchard has been on a heater, averaging 21.8 points over his last five contests.

In New York, we are looking at a point guard duel. Jalen Brunson is averaging 26.6 points over his last five games and faces a Detroit defense that can struggle to contain elite guards. On the other side, Cade Cunningham is averaging 26.2 points in his last five outings. Finally, Karl-Anthony Towns is sitting at 18.5 points—slightly below his last-five average of 19.5.

How to Activate the Underdog Promo Code

Getting this set up before the Knicks tip off against the Pistons is simple. To unlock the Play $5, Get $75 Bonus Entries offer, click here and just follow these steps:

1. Register: Download the Underdog app or head to the desktop site. You’ll need to enter your standard personal info (name, email, DOB) to verify your identity.
2. Enter Code: During sign-up, make sure you enter Promo Code SOUTH. This is required to attach the welcome bonus to your new account.
3. Deposit: Fund your account with at least $5 using a secure payment method.
4. Play: Place a $5 entry on any market. Once you submit that entry, the $75 bonus lands in your account.

Smart Play: Choosing Your Entry Type

Once you’re in, you have two ways to play your predictions:

• Standard Entry: This is for when we are feeling confident. You make 2 or more picks, and you have to get every single one right to win. The risk is higher, but this triggers the biggest payouts.
• Flex Entry: This is our safety net. You need to make 3 or more picks, but you can still win some cash even if one of your predictions misses. It’s a great way to stay in the game if one player has an off night.

Note: This offer is available exclusively to new users who meet the specific age and region requirements. Ensure you are located in a legal state before attempting to register.

The post Underdog Promo Code SOUTH: Get $75 Bonus for Pistons-Knicks, NBA Picks appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The Steven Pearl era has officially reached its first “Code Orange” moment. After a brutal 4-game skid that saw the Tigers drop contests to Tennessee, Alabama, Vanderbilt, and most recently, to Arkansas in Fayetteville, the Auburn Tigers sit at 14-11 overall and 5-7 in the SEC. On paper, 11 losses in mid-February looks like a NIT invitation in the making. But Auburn’s résumé requires more context.

Despite the record, Auburn is hovering at No. 32 in the NET ahead of Monday night’s games. Why? Because the Tigers have played the hardest schedule in the country.

But Strength of Schedule (SOS) is a safety net, not a ladder. You can’t fall forever and expect the committee to catch you.

The Résumé

Before we look at the road ahead, we have to look at the baggage Auburn is carrying. The “good” is spectacular: a neutral-site win over St. John’s, a home demolition of NC State, and that season-defining road win in Gainesville against a top-10 Florida team. The “bad”? A 4-10 overall record in Quadrant 1 games.

The “ugly” isn’t a loss to a bottom-feeder — Auburn has 0 Q3 or Q4 losses. Instead, it’s the mounting fatigue of the Steven Pearl transition. Since taking over for his dad, Bruce, Steven has kept the intensity high, but the closer instinct that defined the 2024-25 squad has been elusive in February.

Now, with Keyshawn Hall having been suspended for the Arkansas game and facing more missed games, Auburn could be without its leading scorer as it prepares for a slew of must-win matchups.

The Stretch Run: 6 Games til Nashville

Auburn has 6 regular-season games remaining. To feel safe on Selection Sunday without needing a miracle run in Nashville, the Tigers need to reach the 9-9 mark in SEC play. That means going 4-2 over this final stretch. Here is the breakdown of those games:

The Path to Inclusion

If Auburn wants to avoid the “First Four” in Dayton, the strategy is simple. Executing that strategy is another story altogether.

1. Hold Serve at Neville Arena

The Tigers have 3 home games left: Kentucky, Ole Miss and LSU. In the SEC, home-court advantage is worth its weight in NIL gold. Auburn must go 3-0 at home. A loss to Ole Miss (Q3) would be a résumé-killer that no amount of SOS could fix. Beating Kentucky, however, would give Auburn its fifth Q1 win and likely push the Tigers back into the top 25 of the NET. Losing to the Wildcats wouldn’t necessarily be a deal-breaker, but it would be a nice feather in the Tigers’ cap.

2. Win the Slugfests

The road games at Mississippi State and Oklahoma are the differentiators. Mississippi State is currently a Q2 road game. These are the games the committee uses to separate the contenders from the pretenders. Auburn has to prove it can win in a hostile environment when the shots aren’t falling.

3. The Alabama Factor

Going to Tuscaloosa on the final day of the season is a nightmare scenario if you need a win to get in. Ideally for Steven Pearl, Auburn enters that Alabama game at 18-12 (9-8 SEC) having already secured at least a .500 record in SEC play. If the Tigers enter at 17-13, the pressure on the Plains will be tectonic.

Bracketology Projections

As of today, February 17, Auburn is an 8-seed in most projections, but the Tigers are sliding. They are currently “safe,” but the margin for error has evaporated. They are the team no No. 1-seed wants to see in the second round because of their efficiency metrics, but they have to get to the Big Dance first.

• Likelihood to make the Field of 68: 67%
  • We’ll give the Tigers a roughly 2-in-3 chance of making the March Madness field at this point. Their lack of bad losses and elite SOS provides a high floor. Even at 17-14 (8-10 SEC), their NET would likely stay top 40, making them a very strong candidate for one of the final at-large spots. However, a 1-5 finish would end the dream.
• Best Possible Seed: 6-Seed
  • Auburn goes 5-1 to finish the season (beating Kentucky and Alabama) and reaches the SEC Tournament semifinals. This would likely push the Tigers to 20+ wins and a top-20 NET.
• Most Likely Seed: 9-Seed
  • Auburn goes 3-3 or 4-2 down the stretch, finishes around .500 in the SEC, and exits the SEC tournament on Friday. The Tigers would be the dangerous middle-seed that the analysts pick for a Round 1 upset, especially if Keyshawn Hall is back in the mix.

Auburn has the talent. Now, it just needs the wins. Steven Pearl just needs to make sure the wheels don’t fall off in Starkville on Wednesday night.

The post Auburn has hit a rough patch, but the path to March Madness is still very much alive appeared first on Saturday Down South.

There are plenty of great apps and promos available for the big game, but which stand out as the best of the best? From Underdog to Dabble to Splash, Sleeper, Boom Sports, Chalkboard and more, we’ll break down the best values and promos for DFS players for Sunday.

First, take a look at the welcome bonuses available with our selection of DFS promo codes:

1. Underdog

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Underdog has quickly become the gold standard for DFS enthusiasts, particularly for those who love Best Ball drafts and pick’em contests. For the Seahawks vs. Patriots game, Underdog is offering an incredible value proposition for new users.

By using Underdog promo code SDS (click here to get started), you can turn a simple $5 entry into $75 in fantasy entries. This is a 15x return on your initial play before the first whistle even blows. Underdog’s interface is sleek and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through player projections.

DFS Angle: Look for Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s receiving yardage projections. JSN has been the focal point of the Seahawks’ passing attack and a frequent target for “Higher” plays on Underdog’s pick’em board. With the $75 in fantasy entries, you can build a multi-pick entry featuring Kenneth Walker III’s rushing totals or Sam Darnold’s passing touchdowns to aim for a big-time payout.

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Sleeper has transitioned from a premier season-long league host to a DFS powerhouse. Their social features are unmatched, allowing you to share your picks with friends and “copy” entries within your group chat.

For this matchup, new users who click here to sign up with Sleeper promo code SDS1 get the best of both worlds: an immediate $20 no-deposit bonus just for signing up, plus a 100% deposit match up to $100. This means you could start your Seahawks-Patriots experience with $120 in total bonus funds.

DFS Angle: Sleeper often features “Sale” picks (e.g., Drake Maye’s passing yards discounted to higher/lower than 0.5). Pairing a Sleeper special with a correlated play, like Hunter Henry to have more than 3.5 receptions, is a high-probability way to use your bonus cash.

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Dabble’s “Rocket Boost” feature allows users to increase the potential payout on their entries, which is perfect for a high-stakes game like Seahawks-Patriots where you might want to swing for the fences.

DFS Angle: Since you’re playing with bonus money, consider a 4-pick or 5-pick “all-in” entry. Find your favorite players and pick “more” or “less” to build up your multiplier. And Dabble is a great social DFS platform, so you can find other users and see who they like in the big game.

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Splash Sports brings a unique peer-to-peer flair to the DFS world. Rather than just playing against the the app’s projections, Splash focuses on contests, survivors, and pick’em pools where you compete against other fans.

By signing up with Splash Sports promo code SDAY50 (click here now) and playing just $5, you unlock $50 in free play credits. This is ideal for those who prefer the competitive nature of large-field tournaments over standard stat-matching.

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5. Additional Options: Chalkboard, Betr and Boom

While the apps above are the current fan favorites, several other platforms offer top-tier value for the Seahawks vs. Patriots game:

• Chalkboard Fantasy (Code: SOUTH): Get a Free Pick plus a 100% Deposit Match up to $200. Chalkboard is known for its “XP” system and community-driven rewards.
• Betr Picks (Code: SOUTH): Sign up for a $10 bonus plus a 50% deposit match up to $200. Betr, founded by Jake Paul, offers a simplified experience with high multipliers up to 100x.
• Boom Fantasy (Code: SOUTH): Offers a “No-Sweat First Entry” worth up to $100. If your first entry for the game loses, Boom will refund the amount in site credit, giving you a second chance to win.

Seahawks vs. Patriots: DFS Strategy & Key Players

To make the most of these promos, you need a solid strategy. This matchup features a fascinating clash of styles: Mike Macdonald’s elite Seahawks defense against a New England team that loves to control the clock.

The Seahawks’ Big 3

1. Sam Darnold (QB): Darnold has been one of the most efficient QBs in the league this year. In DFS, look for “Higher” on his passing yardage if the Patriots’ secondary struggles to contain Seattle’s speed.
2. Kenneth Walker III (RB): Walker might not be a volume king, but with Zach Charbonnet out, his workload should be strong. If Seattle takes an early lead, expect a heavy dose of Walker in the second half. He is a prime candidate for “More than 0.5 Rushing Touchdowns.”
3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR): JSN is a PPR machine. On Sleeper or Underdog, his reception count is often a safer play than his yardage, given his role in the short-to-intermediate passing game.

The Patriots’ Pillars

1. Drake Maye (QB): Maye’s rushing ability provides a “floor” for DFS players. Even if he struggles through the air against Seattle’s secondary, 40+ rushing yards can save his fantasy day. Just keep an eye on his nagging shoulder injury.
2. Rhamondre Stevenson (RB): Stevenson is the engine of the New England offense. If the Patriots want to pull the upset, they must feed Stevenson 20+ times. His “rush attempts” or “rushing+receiving yards” are the metrics to watch.
3. Hunter Henry (TE): Seattle has been vulnerable to tight ends. Henry is Drake Maye’s favorite safety valve and a high-value red-zone target.

Disclaimer: Must be 18+ (19+ in NE/AL, 21+ in AZ/MA/IA) and present in a state where DFS is legal. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

The post Best DFS Apps & Promos for Seahawks vs. Patriots appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The Wildcats (16-7, 703) are receiving votes in the AP poll but haven’t been ranked since falling out of the Dec. 8 poll. They’re playing better of late, however. The Cats have won 7 of 8, a surge that included an 80-78 comeback win at Tennessee on Jan. 17. The Cats erased a 17-point deficit in that win.

Tennessee (16-6, 6-3) has won 5 of 6 since that setback, highlighted by a win at then-No. 17 Alabama.

Tennessee’s dynamic guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie had 24 against the Cats in Round 1. He again will challenge a Kentucky squad led by the two-way swagger of Otega Oweh. With Tennessee big man Felix Okpara listed as questionable with a calf injury, the physical battle in the paint could decide this postseason-caliber clash.

Oddsmakers have installed Kentucky as a 1.5-point home favorite. The Cats are 7-7 ATS as a home favorite this season; Tennessee is 1-1 ATS as a road underdog.

We analyze Tennessee at Kentucky and offer expert betting advice.

Tennessee vs Kentucky Odds

The betting markets anticipate a tightly contested battle at Rupp Arena, positioning the home team as a narrow favorite. Below are the current consensus odds for the matchup.

Kentucky enters the contest as a slight 1.5-point favorite, indicating that oddsmakers expect a game decided by a single possession. The total is set at 146.5 points, with the “Under” slightly favored at -113 odds, suggesting a defensive grind is more probable than a track meet.

Win Probabilities: Stripping away the sportsbook’s fee (the vig), the implied win probabilities based on the moneyline are:

• Kentucky: 53.5%
• Tennessee: 46.5%

For those new to the window, the odds dictate your payout relative to risk:

• Betting on Kentucky: As the favorite (-126), you pay a premium. A $5 bet on Kentucky returns a profit of approximately $3.97 if they secure the victory.
• Betting on Tennessee: As the underdog (+106), the return is higher. A $5 wager on Tennessee nets a $5.30 profit if they pull off the road upset.

Tennessee at Kentucky Tale of the Tape

In a matchup this evenly matched on paper, separation often comes down to efficiency and defensive consistency. Both squads boast high-powered offenses averaging over 80 points per game, but Tennessee holds a statistical edge on the defensive end.

The table below outlines the head-to-head statistical comparison for the current 2025 regular season, including national rankings.

The data reveals a razor-thin margin between SEC heavyweights.

Both programs have navigated an identical strength of schedule (0.5829). Tennessee (RPI Rank 30) has fared slightly better against elite competition, going 4-5 against the RPI Top 50, whereas Kentucky (RPI Rank 35) is 3-6 in similar spots. While Kentucky has successfully defended Rupp Arena with a 12-2 home record, Tennessee has proven battle-tested, though its 2-3 road record raises questions about its consistency away from Knoxville.

Best Bet: Kentucky -1.5 (-105) at Bet365

Just like in Round 1, oddsmakers expect another one-possession game. This game essentially is a pick’em, so the decision boils down to venue and reliability under pressure. While Tennessee has a slightly better RPI ranking and a 4-game winning streak, the smart money is on Kentucky defending its home floor and sweeping the season series.

Kentucky is 12-2 at Rupp this season. Conversely, despite their recent success, Tennessee has proven vulnerable when venturing away from Rocky Top, carrying a sub-.500 record (2-3) in true road games. In the SEC, home-court advantage is often worth more than the standard 3 points.

Kentucky has the defensive tools to disrupt Tennessee’s rhythm. Oweh has been a menace on the perimeter, averaging 1.78 steals per game (41 total). His ability to create transition opportunities will be vital against a Tennessee offense reliant on Gillespie. Furthermore, Kentucky big man Malachi Moreno provides a crucial anchor; with 38 blocks and 145 rebounds on the season, he has the size to challenge the Vols’ frontcourt — especially with Okpara dealing with a calf injury — and limit second-chance points.

Rick Barnes has challenged his team to play a full 40 minutes after blowing a 17-point lead in the first meeting. Expect Kentucky to feed off the crowd, leverage its rebounding edge, and cover this short number.

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The post Tennessee at Kentucky: Best bet and preview appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The former Tulane head coach who replaced the fired Billy Napier a few months ago knows that challenge will be steep in trying to get the Gators back to where they were when a guy named Urban Meyer roamed the sidelines in Gainesville.

Speaking of Meyer, Sumrall spoke to reporters on Friday about his dealings with the UF coaching legend who led the program to national titles in 2006 and 2008 during a stint in Gainesville that only lasted 6 years. That’s a lot of glory in not really a lot of time in one place, and Meyer also won another national title in 2014 at Ohio State.

Meyer knows what he’s doing, he’s one of the best to have ever done it, and Sumrall talked to those reporters about his chat with Meyer before taking the Florida job.

Sumrall relayed that Meyer told him, “I kind of feel like I’m talking to myself 20 years ago,” Jon Sumrall recalled.

“I was like, ‘Can you say that again?'” Sumrall said. “That was one of the coolest sideways compliments I’ve ever gotten.”

Whether Sumrall can accomplish what Meyer did in Gainesville is obviously another story, but those were pretty big words for Sumrall to hear from Meyer even before taking the UF job.

“The ultimate competitor, ridiculously detailed, super intense,” said Sumrall about Meyer. “Very, very blown away with how much he’s been open and willing to give me some feedback since I’ve been at Florida.”

Now, the real work begins for Sumrall at Florida, but he’ll no doubt take those words from Meyer to heart and use them as motivation to become the next great Gators head coach.

He can’t be Meyer, but he can try to win in Gainesville like Meyer did.

The post Jon Sumrall shares story from conversation with Urban Meyer before taking Florida job appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Or, sort of.

With no spring transfer period this year, what happened during the portal onslaught that opened on Jan. 2 and closed on Jan. 16 is what happened. And a lot happened, which is why ESPN on Friday morning took the time to review it all for fans who can’t get enough while the countdown continues toward spring football.

ESPN ranked which players it believes were the most coveted and which players it believes will make a huge impact during the 2026 season. It revealed its top players from this portal period, complete with scouting reports by Steve Muench and Tom Luginbill.

And while ESPN will update these portal rankings as those final players make commitments to their new programs, these rankings give a pretty good idea of the elite portal prizes that it thinks will make a major, immediate impact. The ESPN rankings “are based on production, experience, potential, demand and feedback from coaches and general managers throughout the sport.”

Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for the SEC to make an imprint on Friday’s rankings. Right below the No. 1 spot, which was quarterback Brendan Sorsby heading from Cincinnati to Texas Tech, and right below No. 2 Cam Coleman heading from Auburn to Texas, were a couple of new, high-profile LSU players who should greatly help Lane Kiffin get rolling in Year 1 in Baton Rouge.

That would be No. 3 Sam Leavitt, a quarterback who’s decided he had enough at Arizona State and wants the challenge of the SEC in 2026. And that would be No. 4 Jordan Seaton, an offensive tackle who left Colorado to help anchor the O-line at LSU. Leavitt and Seaton will both have 2 years of eligibility remaining, and the way it’s looking Seaton could very well be blocking for Leavitt when the 2026 season begins.

ESPN said of Leavitt’s addition in Baton Rouge: ” … A prolific year with Kiffin and OC Charlie Weis Jr. could certainly elevate Leavitt to first-round status in next year’s draft.”

And ESPN said this of Seaton’s possible impact at LSU: “He’s a big-time addition to an offensive line that required a major overhaul during the January portal window with the addition of eight incoming transfers.”

Clearly, ESPN believes Kiffin struck gold with these 2 portal additions. Now, it’ll be up to Leavitt and Seaton to prove all that bluster right this fall.

The post ESPN reveals final transfer portal rankings for LSU’s prized new duo appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Or, sort of.

With no spring transfer period this year, what happened during the portal onslaught that opened on Jan. 2 and closed on Jan. 16 is what happened. And a lot happened, which is why ESPN on Friday morning took the time to review it all for fans who can’t get enough while the countdown continues toward spring football.

ESPN ranked which players it believes were the most coveted and which players it believes will make a huge impact during the 2026 season. It revealed its top players from this portal period, complete with scouting reports by Steve Muench and Tom Luginbill.

And while ESPN will update these portal rankings as those final players make commitments to their new programs, these rankings give a pretty good idea of the elite portal prizes that it thinks will make a major, immediate impact. The ESPN rankings “are based on production, experience, potential, demand and feedback from coaches and general managers throughout the sport.”

Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for the SEC to make an imprint on Friday’s rankings. Right below the No. 1 spot, which was quarterback Brendan Sorsby heading from Cincinnati to Texas Tech, was wideout prize Cam Coleman, who ESPN rated at No. 2 after his transfer from Auburn to Texas.

The 6-foot-3, 201-pound Coleman will have 2 years of eligibility remaining, so his value to the Longhorns could potentially stretch beyond this fall. But Steve Sarkisian‘s got Coleman for at least 1 year, and that will be good enough to pair him with star quarterback Arch Manning. The new Manning-to-Coleman connection in Austin is destined to take flight after Coleman caught 56 passes for 708 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2025 despite being part of a struggling Auburn offense.

In the category of “What he brings to Texas,” ESPN wrote: “Arch Manning gets to play with two All-America-caliber wideouts in 2026 in Coleman and Ryan Wingo in an offense that has added some serious firepower during this portal season.”

Now, we’ll see what Coleman can provide Texas during the season that really counts.

The post ESPN reveals final transfer portal ranking for new Texas WR Cam Coleman appeared first on Saturday Down South.

SEC Network analyst Richard Hendrix stopped by WJOX’s McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning to discuss Bediako’s return.

“I think that Charles’s impact offensively was mainly because of the play of Labaron Philon,” Hendrix said. “You know, he’s in the top five in the league in assists and he leads the conference in scoring. But his creativity coming off of screen roll action and being able to find Bediako with lobs over the top was the biggest reason for Charles’s impact offensively.”

Bediako had 13 points in the game, making him one of 3 UA players to reach double figures in the loss to Tennessee. It was a notable uptick from the 6 points per game he averaged in 2022-23, his last full season at Alabama.

“He’s still a very raw player and not a technical player when it comes to the ball,” Hendrix continued. “I don’t expect him to feed it to him in the low post and him to do any back-to-the-basket moves, but I think he’s always been a really good finisher around the rim. And that’s where they’re going to be able to find him as an advantage in the offense with lobs over the top, dump-offs in the dunker spot and just finishing.

“But his biggest contribution will be what he can do as far as rebounding. And I thought that was the area that he actually did not do enough of for Alabama in this particular game. So the other teams will adjust and they will do what they have to do to neutralize him.”

Bediako had only 3 rebounds in his first game back. Tennessee out-rebounded the Tide 42-33 in the 79-73 win.

Hendrix also noted that he didn’t see the Vols do anything differently because of Bediako being on the floor.

“The main thing is that Rick Barnes and Tennessee did not change their game plan one bit with the addition of Charles Bediako,” Hendrix said. “It didn’t put an ounce of fear in what they tried to do. And they came out there and on the road in Tuscaloosa and showed exactly the style of ball that they want to play.”

Bediako played on Saturday after a court granted a temporary restraining order in his suit against the NCAA. His hearing for an injunction is set for Tuesday.

Even in the loss to @Vol_Hoops over the weekend, @rhendrix35 discusses where the addition of Charles Bediako for @AlabamaMBB can be impactful for the Crimson Tide moving forward!#RollTide @WJOX945 https://t.co/UzxzchCN5M pic.twitter.com/0TACtsO3Qw

— McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning (@macandcube) January 26, 2026

The post SEC Network analyst Richard Hendrix assesses Charles Bediako’s impact for Alabama appeared first on Saturday Down South.

This is the first event to be streamed live on Paramount Plus as part of a new 7-year partnership. Fight fans should be excited as now all you need is a Paramount+ subscription to have access to the live stream.

A subscription to Paramount+ is as low as $8.99 a month, or $89.99 a year. With that, you can enjoy UFC events at no extra PPV costs.

So, if you want to know how to get started with Paramount+ in order to enjoy UFC 324, we’ve got you covered.

The UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett Card

UFC 324 will take place from the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada on Saturday.

The main event is for the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship and features No. 5 Paddy Pimblett facing off with No. 4 Justin Gaethje.

The main card gets started at 9 p.m. ET on Paramount+, but the undercard begins at 5 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the entire card:

• Interim Lightweight Championship: No. 4 Justin Gaethje vs. No. 5 Paddy Pimblett
• Bantamweight Division: No. 3 Sean O’ Malley vs. No. 5 Song Yadong
• Heavyweight Division: No. 5 Waldo Cortes Acosta vs. No. 8 Derrick Lewis
• Women’s Flyweight Division: No. 2 Natalia Silva vs. No. 6 Rose Namajunas
• Featherweight Division: No. 6 Arnold Allen vs. No. 10 Jean Silva
• Bantamweight Division: No. 2 Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
• Middleweight Division: Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev
• Light Heavyweight Division: No. 13 Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas
• Flyweight Division: No. 11 Alex Perez vs. No. 13 Charles Johnson
• Lightweight Division: Michael Johnson vs. Alexander Hernandez
• Heavyweight Division: Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman
• Welterweight Division: Adam Fugitt vs. Ty Miller

Betting on UFC 324

If you want a little extra excitement while streaming UFC 324 on Paramount+, we also have promo code offers from the best UFC betting apps to consider.

Simply click through our links below to claim the best sports betting promos for thousands in bonus bets.

If you are in a state that doesn’t offer legal online sportsbooks, you can still add to your UFC 324 experience by winning cash for your picks and predictions by trading contracts on prediction markets.

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Our best DFS promos and prediction markets can be accessed below:

The post Get Your Paramount Plus Subscription to Watch UFC 324 Tonight With No Extra PPV Costs appeared first on Saturday Down South.

If you’re a casual college football fan who gets bored of the same teams in the field every year, well, I’ve got the semifinal for you. We’ve got 2 matchups with spreads that are less than 4 points (via FanDuel), and it’s with 4 teams who have a combined 1 national title in the 21st century. It’s 2001 Miami, which might be considered one of the greatest teams ever, but is also a team that the overwhelming majority of players remaining in the field weren’t alive to see.

It’s a semifinal field that doesn’t the likes of Alabama, Clemson, Georgia or Ohio State. That’s the first time that happened in the 12 years of the Playoff. Mind you, from 2014-22, each semifinal included at least 2 of those teams.

New blood? New blood.

It’s an improbable field. If Indiana or Ole Miss win a national title, they’ll mark the first lowest-ranked preseason AP Top 25 team to do so since Cam Newton led 2010 Auburn to a championship after starting No. 22 in the preseason poll. If Oregon wins a title, it’ll be the first ever and if Miami wins a title, it’ll do so before it won a conference that it joined 2 decades ago.

“Improbable” shouldn’t mean that these are all plucky underdogs. Lord knows they all put together remarkable quarterfinal performances to reach this point. So what should we watch for in these semifinals? Here are some early thoughts:

• Fiesta Bowl, Thursday, Jan. 8: Ole Miss vs. Miami (-2.5)
• Peach Bowl, Friday, Jan. 9: Oregon vs. Indiana (-3.5)

If there’s a guy who can handle the Miami defensive line, maybe it’s Trinidad Chambliss

Chambliss has been tough to bring down all year, but that sequence against Georgia reminded us all that he’s on a different level with his escapability. We’re well past him being some Division II transfer who could be overwhelmed by elite pass rushers.

On the season, Chambliss has been kept upright at a high rate on that up-tempo offense. Go figure that the only FBS quarterback who has been pressured on a lower percentage of his drop-backs this season is his Fiesta Bowl counterpart, Carson Beck, at 15.8%. Of course, Chambliss has been better than Beck at escaping pressure with a 13.7% pressure-to-sack ratio. Hence, why he only took 1 sack in the last 3 games even though he was pressured 21 times.

He’ll need all of that escapability after Rueben Bain and that Miami defensive front harassed Marcel Reed and Julian Sayin in upset victories. They registered a combined 12 sacks in those 2 games against units that had been solid in pass protection all season. Sayin was pressured 15 times against Miami (6 of which came from Bain), which was even higher than the 12 pressures that Indiana registered on him in the Big Ten Championship.

What Miami’s pressure has yielded is overwhelmed quarterbacks who have made pivotal, pre-determined reads that led to costly interceptions. In that 3-game stretch, Chambliss only produced 2 turnover-worthy plays. Keeping those numbers down could determine whether Ole Miss plays in its first true national championship game.

Ole Miss and Miami have elite smash-mouth running backs who could’ve played in 1995

It’s not just that both Mark Fletcher Jr. and Kewan Lacy productive. It’s that with both guys at less than 100%, they still finish runs. Yes, both had costly fumbles, but they both entered the quarterfinal round dealing with separate ailments, yet both are playing like guys who are leaving it all on the field. The numbers back that up, too.

Lacy has 98 carries when Ole Miss is leading by 1-7 points, which is 22 more than any FBS player, while Fletcher is No. 13 in FBS with 52 such carries, despite the fact that he missed nearly a month of action. In 2 Playoff games, Fletcher has a combined 10 missed tackles forced and 185 yards after first contact. Lacy, on the other hand, only has 2 missed tackles forced in 2 Playoff games, but he’s still No. 2 among Power Conference backs with 88 on the season, and he has 128 yards after first contact in those 2 Playoff games, though he missed the second half of the blowout win against Tulane with his shoulder injury. Any concerns about that being an issue subsided with how he bounced back after his fumble against Georgia.

Even Lacy’s toughness in the passing game was on full display:

Bringing down Lacy and Fletcher will take a group effort. These offensive play callers are going to lean heavily on them to slow down the respective pass rushers. Both backs could hit with 25 touches, especially in the event that this one stays competitive for 60 minutes.

My goodness, there’s a trio of daunting defenses left in this field

That sounded like a dig at Ole Miss. It wasn’t, though it’s pretty clear that unit isn’t on the same level as what Indiana, Miami and Oregon bring to the table. Those 3 are all rank in the top 10 in both scoring defense and yards/game allowed. On top of that, those 3 units allowed 3.3 yards/carry or less. And while Oregon’s raw numbers aren’t as good as Indiana and Miami’s, keep in mind that the Ducks just pitched a shutout against Texas Tech and the nation’s No. 2 scoring offense.

Look no further than the fact that those 3 defenses allowed a combined 17 points in their quarterfinal victories, 14 of which came against Jeremiah Smith and an Ohio State offense that scored 20 points less than its season average. Perhaps it’s not a surprise that Miami DC Corey Hetherman and Indiana DC Bryant Haines were 2 of the 5 Broyles Award finalists (both of whom were on Curt Cignetti’s James Madison staff). Their units have put on a clinic down the stretch. Shoot, Indiana held Ohio State and Alabama to 1 combined offensive touchdown.

And to be fair to Ole Miss, that defense has epitomized “bend, don’t break” after it had 5 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Perhaps you could carry that mantra to Pete Golding, who didn’t break when Lane Kiffin left and started poaching his staff. Let’s not forget that Ole Miss just held a surging Georgia offense to less than 5 yards per play. It might not have the firepower of those other 3 units, but Suntarine Perkins and Princewell Umanmielen are more than capable of stepping up in big-time moments.

Oregon-Indiana has the better shot of being a defensive slugfest with an over/under of 46.5 compared to 51.5 for Miami-Ole Miss, but don’t rule out the possibility that the first team to hit 3 touchdowns in either one of those games could be moving on to a national championship.

Go figure that Indiana is the only team who can’t sell some sort of “revenge” angle

Well, unless you consider IU’s revenge angle to be on the entire sport of college football, which contributed to it having the second-most losses of any program ever (Northwestern just overtook the dubious top spot). In that way, sure, IU has a revenge angle.

But for everyone else, the revenge angles are somewhat obvious.

Oregon has the revenge angle of knowing its lone loss suffered in the regular season came vs. Indiana, which ended the nation’s longest home winning streak. You can bet Dan Lanning will feed into that, though it’s worth noting that 2 of his 7 career losses as a head coach came in his lone in-season rematches. That was against 2024 Ohio State and 2023 Washington, both of whom went on to play for a national title.

Miami’s revenge angle against Ole Miss is a bit more personal for Beck, who obviously missed the ultimate revenge angle when his former team lost to Ole Miss. But don’t forget that last year when he was at Georgia, he was completely dominated by Golding’s defense in a loss in Oxford. Beck played arguably the worst game of his career against Ole Miss and a rare Georgia blowout loss.

What’s Ole Miss’ revenge angle? Um, it rhymes with “pane tiffin.” It’s hard to have more of a revenge angle than a team with a coach who left them before the Playoff. That’ll continue to be a topic of conversation, but more so because Ole Miss has 6 assistants who are set to join LSU. How they continue to juggle those duties with the transfer portal window opened remains to be seen.

Revenge will be on the minds of many. Whoever harnesses it best could have a chance to play for all the marbles.

The post Early thoughts on 2 improbable College Football Playoff semifinal matchups appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Check that. The quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff weren’t fun for Alabama or Texas Tech, neither of whom scored touchdowns. But for plenty of others, the quarterfinals were indeed theater, ending with the best game of all in the Sugar Bowl.

We now have semifinal matchups between Oregon and Indiana, and Ole Miss and Miami. Sure. Just as we all predicted, right? Those teams have a combined 1 national title in the 21st century, and it was 2001 Miami. There’ll be new blood in this field of 4.

But before we spin it ahead, let’s look back at a fascinating quarterfinal round:

Ole Miss taking down Georgia without Lane Kiffin is the stuff of legend

Yes, Kiffin built that roster and he hired that coaching staff. But somewhere in Baton Rouge, Lane Kiffin watched his ex-team deliver a performance for the ages in the Sugar Bowl. That included Trinidad Chambliss playing out of his mind. The 3-play sequence he made to fuel Ole Miss late will be talked about in the Magnolia State for a long time, as will the pass to De’Zhaun Stribling to set up the game-winning field goal for Lucas Carneiro.

That doesn’t happen unless Charlie Weis Jr. calls a masterful game, which he did. Unlike the regular-season matchup in Athens when Ole Miss collapsed in the 4th quarter — Chambliss was 1-for-10 for 1 yard in the 4th quarter the first time — Georgia‘s defense couldn’t find answers late. Even after Kewan Lacy’s fumble resulted in a Georgia scoop-and-score, Ole Miss continued to feed its workhorse back. It was a resilient, confident performance for a group that looked like it was playing with house money.

Pete Golding deserves all the praise for what he accomplished. Taking down that Georgia squad was the type of thing that didn’t seem possible when the Playoff bracket was revealed. He avenged the lone regular-season loss and took the SEC Championship winner out of the field. Who knows that happens to Ole Miss beyond this 2025 team, but that can’t be forgotten.

Ole Miss is the last SEC team standing. Not Georgia, not Alabama … Kiffin-less Ole Miss. Who would’ve thunk?

It’s Indiana’s world, and we’re all just living in it

OK, it’s not truly Indiana’s world until it wins a national championship, but mercy. That was a beatdown. It was Alabama’s worst loss of any kind in the 21st century, and it was Alabama’s most lopsided postseason loss ever. It didn’t even feel like Ty Simpson’s rib injury would’ve changed that result. Of course, the play in which that happened was a fumble forced by Indiana that felt like the story of the day. IU was in total control.

It didn’t matter that to that point, teams with a bye in the 12-team Playoff era were 0-6 having been outscored 45-3 in the first quarter. The only rust that IU showed was allowing 2 sacks of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza on the first possession.

For those who expected Indiana to fade upon arrival in its second-ever trip to the Rose Bowl, Thursday’s developments were stunning. For those who watched how Indiana got to 13-0 and why Alabama entered the quarterfinal round as a flawed team, the 2025 context was less stunning.

Mind you, Alabama entered the quarterfinal round as healthy as it had been all season. It still lost the rushing edge 215-23. The Tide didn’t hit 100 total yards until Austin Mack came in for Simpson in the middle of the third quarter. It was the type of game that reminded us that Indiana wasn’t just a fun story. It earned that 1-seed by beating Oregon in Eugene and by outlasting Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship.

Now the question is obvious — should Indiana be the overwhelming favorite to win it all? Ohio State held that title entering the quarterfinals, so naturally, IU stepped into the top spot as the new Vegas favorite at +150 (via BetMGM). A rematch against Oregon and that dominant defense will be no small feat, but it’s hard not to be bullish on IU’s chances after it handed Alabama its most lopsided loss of the 21st century.

Speaking of Alabama …

We were right to say that Alabama was flawed

Apologies for repeating myself here. It needs to be said one more time. Alabama ran into a buzzsaw. Period. In a different era of Alabama football, it could’ve perhaps handled the buzzsaw and pulled out a gritty win. This isn’t that era, though. This is the era that just produced its worst rushing offense since 1955, it had an inconsistent offensive line and it had a good, but not great, run defense.

Add it all up and you got what you got on Saturday. It didn’t matter that Alabama was as healthy as it had been all year. It still had too low of a floor to win a national title by beating 4 top-10 teams in a row.

Thursday didn’t necessarily mean that Alabama was suddenly unworthy of making the Playoff, or that Kalen DeBoer‘s future was in jeopardy. If that was the takeaway by some, it should’ve been met with eyerolls. What Thursday meant was the final piece of evidence that Alabama wasn’t in a championship tier in 2025. It was out-manned in every way. That means some tough decisions need to be made. The transfer portal window can be Alabama’s friend, as it’s been in the first 2 years under DeBoer.

Should Alabama spend big at running back? What’s the quarterback room going to look like? Are there interior linemen who can help fix the ground game?

All of those questions will be answered. A more pressing question Alabama faces is how did things get that lopsided with that much at stake? It was the third time this year that Alabama lost a game that didn’t feel particularly close. That’s happening too often under DeBoer. His job in Year 3 — the first time that he’s had a Year 3 as an FBS head coach — is to address that and prevent Rose Bowl-like flashbacks in 2026.

Miami and Oregon have championship-level defenses

My goodness. Talk about defensive statements.

Miami delivered the biggest upset (9.5-point underdogs) in Playoff history thanks to Rueben Bain and that vastly improved unit. All it did was pitch a first-half shutout and hold longtime No. 1 Ohio State to a pair of second-half scoring drives. Even on a night in which Jeremiah Smith looked like the best player on the planet, Miami dominated the Ohio State offensive line and made Julian Sayin uncomfortable all game.

The Canes have won 2 Playoff games by allowing a total of 17 points to teams who started 11-0 with late-season Heisman Trophy candidates. Don’t dismiss that significance. A year removed from having a defense that prevented the Hurricanes from getting into the Playoff, it’s now the driving force to a semifinal berth.

As for Oregon, um, do you think Dan Lanning had his team slightly motivated after that second-half performance against James Madison? Like, do you think he had his entire team convinced that it actually lost and it only got to play Texas Tech because of some sort of technicality? I’d believe it. Oregon was everywhere. It forced 4 turnovers and pitched a shutout against the No. 2 scoring offense in FBS. True freshman Brandon Finney Jr. picked off 2 passes, one of which was in the end zone.

Lanning said that challenged his team to “go get their pound of flesh.” It’s safe to say that happened. Now the question becomes whether Oregon can ride that same momentum into a rematch against Indiana. Lord knows that Lanning will be able to sell his team the revenge angle, but will the offense move the ball better against the Hoosiers this time around? Time will tell.

The quarterfinals showed that both Miami and Oregon are very much capable of winning it all when their defenses play at that level.

There’s an obvious fix for the teams with byes and their 1-7 record

It’s exactly what Lanning said earlier in the week. Stick these quarterfinal games on campus. Period. Home games are guaranteed for the top-4 seeds.

That increases the reward for one of those top-4 seeds and still puts emphasis on the regular season. That’s what the people want, right? The bowls with financial stake who don’t want to suddenly be told they don’t have an annual Playoff game would push back, but if that’s the only thing holding this up, that’s not a good enough reason. It was ridiculous that Texas Tech and Oregon were playing in Miami, and the secondary ticket market reflected that.

If there’s one thing that this quarterfinal hopefully yielded, perhaps that’s it.

The post Takeaways from a wild quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Wilson shared his excitement to play for new head coach Jon Sumrall.

“He was very electric. He brought a lot of energy to the room—something we really hadn’t seen before. It was a different type of juice, and I immediately liked it,” Wilson told Florida Victorious. “I feel like he’s the kind of coach who’s going to bring the best out of every player on the field.”

The wideout also spoke highly of new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner and wide receivers coach Marcus Davis.

“He brought in Coach Buster as the offensive coordinator, and I talk to him pretty much every day. He’s a great offensive mind and knows how to get his playmakers the ball and put us in position to be successful,” Wilson said, per Florida Victorious. “Then Coach Davis came in as our receivers coach, replacing (Billy Gonzales), and he’s been great too. He’s calm, confident, and focused on moving us forward and turning us into the best wide receiver room we can be.”

Wilson was limited by injuries in his freshman season. He missed the first 4 and last 4 games of the 2025 campaign. In 4 appearances, he logged 12 catches for 174 yards and 3 touchdowns. It was in Florida‘s win over Texas that he showed why fans are excited to have Wilson back in 2026.

In the win over the Longhorns, Wilson had 6 catches for 111 yards and 2 scores, earning SEC Freshman of the Week recognition.

Dallas Wilson just GROWN MAN'D Texas' entire defense on this touchdownpic.twitter.com/gIpZTWV76V

— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) October 4, 2025

Out of Tampa Bay (Florida) Tech, Wilson was rated 4-stars, the No. 4 player in the state, No. 8 wide receiver and No. 35 prospect overall in the Class of 2025 on the 247Sports Composite. He originally signed with Oregon but was granted a release and enrolled at UF.

The post Florida WR Dallas Wilson, former top-35 recruit, reveals plans for 2026 season appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Brown announced his return to the Gators via NIL and marketing partner Florida Victorious. A legacy from a Gator family with multiple generations who have sported the orange and blue, Brown calls it an honor to wear the Florida uniform.

“It’s everything. I wore the jersey growing up, always aspiring to play for the Florida Gators, so to be able to accomplish that dream and become a contributor in my first year, it was amazing,” Brown told Florida Victorious. “Obviously, I was able to accomplish my goal of Freshman All-SEC, but there’s still a lot left on the table, and I’m coming for it all next year.”

Brown earned that Freshman All-SEC honor by leading the Gators in catches (40) and receiving yards (512) while playing in just 10 of 12 games. The standout wide receiver made 6 starts as a true freshman.

As a sophomore, Brown will play for a new head coach, a new play caller, and a new position coach. Brown has said that he likes new head coach Jon Sumrall‘s “strength coach energy.” He also talked to Florida Victorious about his early impressions of new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner.

“Bringing in Coach Buster (Faulkner), I was familiar with who he was. Great hire,” Brown said. “Then, getting a chance to meet him, I didn’t really know him. So I got to meet him and start building a relationship with him, kind of learning his plan and seeing what are you going to do for us at the University of Florida.”

Marcus Davis is set to be Florida’s wide receivers coach. Davis, who previously held the same position at Auburn, has not formally been announced but has updated his social media accounts to reflect he’s now on staff at UF.

The post Vernell Brown III speaks on decision to return to Florida for 2026 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Despite the coaching transition, Chiles will remain with the Gators. He announced the news on Tuesday through Florida Victorious, the university’s NIL collective.

As a true freshman in 2024, Chiles made 22 tackles and was credited with 1.0 sacks while playing in every game. In 2025, he played in all 12 of the Gators’ games, ranking fifth on the team with 51 tackles. He added 2.5 TFLs and half a sack. Chiles also earned his first career start in the Gators’ second-to-last game of the season against Tennessee.

According to 247Sports’ Composite rankings, Chiles was considered the No. 6 linebacker in the class of 2024 and the No. 2 player in the state of Maryland. He was also ranked No. 61 among all recruits nationally, regardless of position.

Heading into 2026, Chiles should emerge as a key member of Sumrall’s defense as he looks to build on what was a solid sophomore campaign.

“It was very intense. Right away, you could tell he’s determined and ready to work,” Chiles said of his first impressions of Sumrall during the head coach’s initial team meeting. “He’s a winner, and he talked about that from the start. You can feel that mindset immediately, and I’m ready to win as well.”

The post Florida LB, team’s 5th leading tackler in 2025, announces plans for 2026 season appeared first on Saturday Down South.

As a Florida legacy, it’s no surprise that Graham will be back in orange and blue. He wears No. 5, the same number his father, Gator great Earnest Graham, wore playing running back for Steve Spurrier. Beyond the family legacy, Graham is also excited about the new staff in Gainesville.

Graham told Florida Victorious about hearing from new head coach Jon Sumrall after his hiring.

“We loved him, man. He was intense. He told us straight up that he wasn’t going to back down,” Graham told the collective. “He was ready for the challenge and we loved him. I feel like a lot of guys bought into that.”

Since that first meeting, Sumrall has also added his coordinators. Former Kentucky defensive coordinator Brad White will be the new Florida DC, and Graham strongly approves.

“He preached to me that he needs me here and, you know, the defense is going to run through me,” Graham told Florida Victorious. “So he has a great appreciation for the linebacker position and him playing it. We can relate in that way and we can build our relationship in that way.”

Running the defense through Graham is a smart decision by White. Graham started every game for the Gators in 2025, recording 76 total tackles (7 TFLs), 2 sacks, 7 QB hurries and 4 pass breakups.

The post Florida LB Myles Graham confirms return for 2026, speaks on new Gator coaches appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The first round of the CFP begins on Dec. 19. We’re still more than a week away from the action officially kicking off. But, bettors have a ton of options to get in on the fun early.

College Football Playoff picks

You can find a breakdown of the first-round action here. Below are 3 broader CFP-related bets to make right now.

Oregon vs. James Madison first-half spread

Oregon is a much more talented team. The Ducks are fifth in the 247Sports Talent Composite. The Dukes are 127th. Depth and athleticism matter in this tournament, and Oregon has major advantages in both categories.

James Madison has rolled this season thanks to an excellent defense that stuffs teams at a high rate (6.5 tackles for loss per game). The Dukes win on early downs to set up longer down-and-distance situations later. They’ve been able to manage a high rate of explosives allowed because they generate quick-change stops.

On offense, they’re efficient when they need to be, but they’re explosive when they have to be. Running back Wayne Knight has 9 runs of at least 30 yards this season. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III has 7 runs of 20-plus yards and 17 passes of 30-plus yards. Huge gains of 50-plus pushed JMU over Washington State and then Troy late in the season.

That kind of profile has been enough to overwhelm a schedule that can easily be pushed over. According to ESPN’s FPI, the Dukes played a schedule this season that ranked 123rd out of 136 FBS teams.

In the Playoff, against the best the sport has to offer, a reliance on splash plays is a recipe for disaster. Against the 2 best defenses JMU faced this season (Louisville and Wazzu), the Dukes had a 58-yard run, a 68-yard pass, and a 3.6 yards-per-play clip on the other 126 scrimmage plays they ran.

Oregon, after being decimated by injuries late in the regular season, should be healthier. Early on at home, there will be plenty of energy to feed off of. A couple of big plays from the offense to pop the proverbial roof off and Oregon could be off to the races. This could turn into a 21-3 game in a hurry.

Bet Oregon -10.5 in the first half (-118) via BetMGM

Oregon to make the semifinals

If there’s a team to take advantage of Texas Tech, it’s Oregon, whose completeness on offense and ability to short-circuit other offenses make it not just a threat to advance in this Playoff but to win the whole thing.

It feels a little like déjà vu with the Ducks, who looked like the favorite to win it all last year before laying an egg in the Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State. The coaching staff should remember that experience and use it as a motivating factor for this year’s group leading into a potential quarterfinal game with Texas Tech.

Last season, the Buckeyes got hot in the first round and rolled right over a team that had been sitting idle. All 4 teams that had a first-round bye last season lost. Part of that was due to the seeding structure. We’ll find out this year how much of a factor rust actually was.

But, more than anything, you look at the potential quarterfinal matchups, and it comes down to trust. You’d trust Indiana over whoever wins in Norman. You’d trust Ohio State over the winner in College Station. And you’d trust Georgia over the Lane Kiffin-less Rebels, whom the Dawgs already beat once earlier this year.

I trust Oregon more than Texas Tech.

The Red Raiders have one of the best defensive fronts in football — if not the best — and in that way, they feel a bit like the mid-BCS-era SEC teams that leaned heavily on suffocating defenses. Is the offense good enough to beat an elite team if it has to? In 3 games against the 2 Utah-based teams Tech played (i.e., Tech’s 3 best wins), the Red Raiders made 14 trips to the red zone and scored just 5 touchdowns.

That’s been a season-long issue. Texas Tech gets touchdowns on just 56.2% of its red zone trips, which ranks 101st in the country. Oregon can be run on, but if the Ducks simply bend rather than break, can Tech finish off drives? It couldn’t against Utah or BYU, and neither of those teams possessed quarterbacks anywhere close to Dante Moore in terms of quality.

Depending on the nature of Oregon’s first-round win, the Ducks might actually be favored in the Orange Bowl.

Bet Oregon to make the CFP semifinals (-105) via DraftKings

Indiana to win the national championship

Here’s something to consider with teams that are being coached this postseason by guys who have already accepted other jobs. The earlier games might not get in the way much. The longer their team hangs in the field, though, the more those coaches are going to be strained.

Let’s say Oregon, which will have to replace both Will Stein and Tosh Lupoi after the season, beats Texas Tech to advance to the Peach Bowl. That game will be played on Jan. 9 — exactly 7 days after the winter window for the transfer portal opens. How heavy does Stein want to hit the portal to retrofit a Kentucky team that was just battered down the stretch and figures to have major turnover? That work will be tireless.

Oregon (+800 via Caesars) looks like a solid value bet to win the national championship because of its quality.

Indiana (+300) is the safest bet.

The Hoosiers beat the Ducks in Autzen earlier this year. They have blown teams out early, put teams to bed late, won rock fights in unfriendly environments, come from behind to win, and answered every single question posed to them.

Ohio State might be the more talented team. Indiana just beat that more talented team on a neutral field. And the Hoosiers aren’t even the favorite to win the CFP.

IU is fourth in adjusted net EPA per play, according to Game on Paper. The 4 semifinalists last season all ranked top-4 in the same metric. Indiana has no weaknesses.

Its quarterback has answered the bell in big moments. Its defense wins with efficiency and with splash plays. Its run game is among the most efficient in the sport. It wins on third down better than anyone. It gets to the red zone on offense more than just about anyone. It stays out of the red zone on defense better than anyone. It takes the football away better than just about anyone and holds onto the football better than just about anyone.

Swap the logo next to the statistical profile with, let’s say, an Alabama logo, and you’d be getting minus odds for this team to win a national title.

Bet Indiana to win the national championship (+300) via Caesars

The post Betting Stuff: 3 College Football Playoff bets to target right now appeared first on Saturday Down South.

A lot of fans are comparing Ole Miss’s Lane Kiffin situation to 2023 Florida State, insisting the Rebels should be dropped from a host spot or even dropped out of the Playoff altogether. I vehemently disagree with the notion that Rebels players should be punished because their head coach bolted for a new job.

Back in 2023, the Seminoles lost starting quarterback Jordan Travis to injury and showed a pullback in efficiency at the position. It’s very important to remember that this happened in the 4-team Playoff era. That Florida State squad — even with Tate Rodemaker at the helm of the offense — would have hosted a Playoff game under the 12-team format we’ll see this season.

And keep in mind, the 2023 committee made their decision to keep Florida State out of the 4-team field after a few weeks of monitoring how the Seminoles fared without Travis. Ole Miss still has Trinidad Chambliss, Kewan Lacy, Wydett Williams, Suntarine Perkins and every other player who helped the Rebels achieve an 11-1 season, and they haven’t yet been seen in a game without Kiffin on the sidelines. It would be asinine of the committee to make a proactive judgement here.

Rant over. Let’s change gears.

BYU is the team in the Playoff hunt that’s hardest to pin down. If I had a vote, BYU and Alabama would both jump Notre Dame for reaching their respective conference championship games. Both teams claim better wins than the Irish, and BYU has a “better loss.” Miami, having beaten Notre Dame earlier this season and Pitt in Week 14, should jump the Irish, too. The logic tracks here, but would the Committee really drop Notre Dame 3 spots despite winning in Week 14? How much emphasis will they put on the eye test?

Better question: Can these guys join a conference already?

Obviously, the above means that Texas and Vanderbilt just don’t have any hope here. There are simply too many mouths to feed and not enough spots at the table. Since the Longhorns beat Vanderbilt and boast the bigger brand (yes, it absolutely matters), I have Texas in the Citrus Bowl facing Michigan. Vanderbilt gets the 2nd best non-Playoff bid in the SEC lineup, facing off against Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The only other bowl-eligible teams in the SEC this season are Tennessee, Mizzou and LSU.

College Football Playoff

We’ll leave this here for anyone not familiar with the current CFP format for 2025-26:

• The top 5 conference champions will be awarded auto-bids, as they were last year. However, unlike last year, the top 4 of those 5 conference champions will not be guaranteed a first-round bye. Seeds 1-4 are simply be determined by their CFP ranking at the end of the season.
• This year’s quarterfinal matchups feature the Rose, Sugar, Cotton and Orange Bowls, with the Peach Bowl and Fiesta Bowl as semifinal hosts. As with last season, first-round matchups (Seeds 5-12) will be hosted by the higher-ranked team on campus.

Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. 8/9 winner

Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. 7/10 winner

Orange Bowl: Indiana vs. 6/11 winner

Cotton Bowl: Texas Tech vs. 5/12 winner

First Round

College Station, Texas: No. 5 Texas A&M vs. No. 12 North Texas

Eugene, Oregon: No. 6 Oregon vs. No. 11 Virginia

Oxford, Mississippi: No. 7 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 BYU

Norman, Oklahoma: No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 9 Alabama

The Rest

Citrus Bowl: Texas vs. Michigan

ReliaQuest Bowl: Vanderbilt vs. Iowa

Gator Bowl: Tennessee vs. Miami

Mayo Bowl: Mizzou vs. Clemson

Music City Bowl: LSU vs. Illinois

The post SEC bowl projections after Week 14: Do the right thing, selection committee appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Fortunately, there are some incredible games on the menu, including Alabama-Auburn in the Iron Bowl and Ohio State-Michigan in The Game. Friday provided plenty of drama, but the college football and NFL slates this weekend provide more opportunities to win money in DFS contests.

As they do every week, our DFS experts — Andrew Olson and Adam Spencer — have provided their top 3 CFB plays and their 2 favorite NFL picks for this weekend. But before we dive into those…

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Week 14 CFB Picks

Here’s who the guys like for Saturday’s college football action:

Andrew Olson

Tommy Castellanos, Florida State QB: Higher than 43.5 rush yards

Gus Malzahn is surely licking his chops getting ready to face a porous Florida defense. The Gators have given up over 200 rushing yards in each of their past 3 games. Castellanos is FSU’s leading rusher this season.

Carson Beck, Miami QB: Higher than 0.5 INTs thrown

SEC and ACC fans can agree on one thing: Carson Beck throws interceptions. Beck’s Hurricanes face a Pitt defense that snags a lot of picks. The Panthers enter the game with 14 INTs, good for second in the ACC.

Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt QB: Higher than 48.5 rush yards

SEC teams are averaging 177 rushing yards per game against Tennessee. Pavia is Vanderbilt’s leading rusher this season, getting 5 yards per rush for an average of 60 yards per game. We know he’s going to lay it all on the line against the Vols.

Adam Spencer

Cade Klubnik, Clemson QB: Higher than 236.5 pass yards

I think Clemson will win outright this weekend, but I do expect it to be a hard-fought, back-and-forth Palmetto Bowl. Look for Klubnik to throw it early and often, putting up 237+ yards through the air.

Ahmad Hardy, Mizzou RB: Higher than 107.5 rush yards

I’d play this number up to 199.5 yards, honestly. I expect the Missouri Tigers to feed Hardy the ball all day against a pitiful Arkansas defense. He ran for 300 yards against Mississippi State. Why wouldn’t he be able to go for 108 against Arkansas?

Jeremiah Cobb, Auburn RB: Lower than 72.5 rush yards

I just don’t see an elite Alabama defense letting Cobb get to 73+ yards on the ground. I also don’t think the game script will allow Auburn to run the ball as much as it might want to. Space and touches will be tough to come by for Cobb.

Week 13 NFL Picks

And here’s who the guys are playing on NFL Sunday:

Andrew Olson

Jakobi Meyers, Jacksonville Jaguars WR: Higher than 41.5 receiving yards

Meyers seems to be fitting in well with the Jaguars after being traded. Over the last 2 games, he logged 9 catches on 12 targets for 114 yards. He draws a favorable matchup against the Tennessee Titans to build on this strong start.

Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders TE: Lower than 0.5 rushing + receiving TDs

Ertz has been kept out of the end zone the last 4 games and that seems unlikely to change for him in Week 13. Washington is expected to still be without Jayden Daniels and the Commanders face a stingy Denver defense on Sunday night.

Adam Spencer

Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers RB: Higher than 39.5 receiving yards

Running the ball will be difficult against Cleveland. The 49ers will have to move the ball through the air. Fortunately for them, McCaffrey is as good of a receiver as he is a running back. Going for 40+ receiving yards should be doable, even against one of the NFL’s top defenses.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks WR: Higher than 97.5 receiving yards

Sam Darnold revenge game? Sam Darnold revenge game. The Vikings are also probably pretty upset that they don’t still have Darnold as their quarterback. JSN will be eager to outplay Justin Jefferson, too. I think JSN goes for 100+ yards on Sunday afternoon.

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The post Underdog Picks of the Week: Our top plays for CFB and NFL, Nov. 29-30 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Auburn (6-2) trailed by 9 points at the break and fell down by 11 early in the second half. But a hot-shooting night from Pettiford powered the Tigers to an 85-74 victory. St. John’s, which opened the season ranked fifth in the nation, has lost 3 of its first 7 games.

Playing its third game in as many nights, Auburn showed some serious mettle in the second half. The Tigers were blown out by Michigan on Tuesday, losing by 30 points in what was the program’s biggest defeat in over 2 years.

They shot 46% from the field over the opening 20 minutes, but went 1-for-6 on triples and turned the basketball over 10 times. St. John’s converted those giveaways in 13 points while also grabbing 10 offensive rebounds.

Auburn cut the turnovers in the second half (down to 2) and connected on 16 of its 25 shots from the field while also getting to the foul line 21 times. Keyshawn Hall made 9 free throws by himself in the second half to score 18 points in 18 minutes. Hall finished with 20.

Pettiford, though, was the star of the show. He scored 18 of his game-high 27 points in the second half while connecting on 6 of his 8 attempts from the field and 2 of his 3 triples. He played every minute of the second half and turned it over only once.

“I knew that if I got things rolling, my team would follow,” Pettiford said after the game. “Once I got going, they kept feeding me, and it just kept going.”

Auburn led by as many as 7 in the first half. Over the final 8:30 of the opening salvo, St. John’s outscored Auburn 25-9.

In the second half, Auburn used a 13-2 run to flip the game.

“Proud of our guys,” said coach Steven Pearl. “[Tuesday] was not easy. To lose the way we lost was a little deflating. Our defense stepped up and carried us. Really proud of the effort and execution.”

Auburn faces NC State next as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge. That game tips from Neville Arena on Dec. 3 at 9:15 p.m. ET (ESPN).

The post Auburn uses second-half surge to upset No. 14 St. John’s appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Sweepstakes casinos are currently not legal in CA, ID, MI, MT, NJ, NY, NV and WA

Sweepstakes casinos offer the same thrilling online casino gaming experience as traditional online casinos, boasting many of the same games from the same respected software providers. These sites even give players the chance to win real prizes by earning Sweeps Coins and redeeming them for cash prizes or gift vouchers.

And just like online casinos, sweepstakes sites also happen to offer some fantastic bonuses that allow you to play the best casino games forever without spending a single cent. Our experts have found the 10 best no-deposit sweepstakes casino bonuses, and they are excited to tell you all about them and how to claim them.

Because sweepstakes casinos do not offer real-money games, unlike online casinos, they aren’t subject to the regulation that prohibits traditional online casinos and are therefore available in many US states. However, you must always check if sweepstakes casinos are allowed in your area and note their responsible gambling tools.

List of the Top 10 No-Deposit Bonuses at Sweepstakes Casinos – Important details (April 2026)

Before you dive in and claim your juicy sweepstakes no-deposit casino bonuses, it’s essential to understand how these online casinos work. These are a little different from an online casino promo like the BetMGM casino bonus. Sweepstakes casinos allow you to use two currencies to wager on games. Gold Coins (GC) comprise a virtual currency that you either purchase or collect through bonuses. However, you cannot withdraw GCs. Sweeps Coins (SC) are the second currency. You can’t buy SC, but you can collect them as a bonus or through bonus bundles when you buy Gold Coins. SC can be redeemed for cash prizes or gift vouchers in some cases.

Now that you understand how sweepstakes casinos work, it’s time to get started with the exciting process of looking for the right bonus. We’ll start by listing our top 10 sweepstakes bonuses. You can quickly and easily claim each site’s introductory offer without breaking the bank, along with daily rewards. This will give you more than enough GC and SC to start your sweeps journey on the right foot.

What Types of No-Deposit Bonuses are Available at Sweepstakes Casinos?

There’s no free lunch, the saying goes, but sweepstakes casinos are as close as it gets! You can claim a variety of no-deposit bonus types at our top sweeps casinos. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways to score free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.

New Customer Bonuses

All of our featured sweepstakes casinos offer no deposit bonuses to new players. In most cases, you’ll receive a mix of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. To receive a new customer welcome bonus, simply open a new account, although some sites may require a quick verification check.

HIGH 5 FREE ONLINE CASINO

CLAIM 600 Diamonds, 250 Game Coins + 5 FREE Sweeps Coins Participating States

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NEW PLAYER OFFER

600 Diamonds & 250 Game Coins + 5 FREE Sweeps Coins

VIRTUAL CREDITS

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Daily Login Bonuses

You can usually claim free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins each and every day by simply logging into your account. This ensures that you can steadily add to your balance without spending any money. Some sweepstakes sites give you a set number of coins each day, while others may have a daily wheel that is guaranteed to earn you a prize that can include free spins bonuses. Either way, these sweepstakes casino bonuses are easy to claim.

Mail-in Bonuses

One major difference between sweepstakes casinos and online casinos is mail-in offers. You may not know this, but you can earn sweepstakes casino bonuses through the postal system. While the exact rules may differ slightly from site to site, the general idea is that you send a handwritten letter asking for coins. You then receive a bonus code that you can instantly redeem on the site. Just remember, it is not free money. It is simply currency that can be used for their sweeps games.

Social Media Giveaways

Many of our highlighted sweeps casinos are active on social media platforms, such as X, Facebook, and Instagram. In addition to filling you in on the latest news and offering a platform to provide feedback, you can also usually find exclusive sweepstakes bonuses and bonus codes that you can use to claim SC, GC, and other benefits like free spins bonuses.

VIP/Loyalty Bonuses

Most sweepstakes casinos have a VIP and/or loyalty rewards program, similar to online casinos. There are several ways to earn comp points. For instance, you will typically earn rewards points for each coin package you purchase. You can then redeem these points for Sweeps Coins and Gold Coins, along with other benefits.

Every point you earn gets you closer to the next VIP level. Each new tier you reach greets you with bigger and better rewards. While those at the highest tiers reap the largest rewards, those in the lower levels benefit too.

Why do Some Sweepstakes Casinos have Unique Currencies?

While most sweepstakes operators use two types of currency, Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC), some casinos prefer to do things a bit differently and refer to their coins by unique names. In most cases, it’s the same principle, just named differently. And in other instances, there’s a conversion rate between the casino’s coins and widely-known currencies. It’s really not complicated at all, but here’s a cheat sheet of a few of the casinos that use different currencies.

Many sweepstakes casinos also offer reward points, which allow you to collect loyalty points for your activity on the site, and then use these points to climb through rewards tiers, claim benefits, and exchange points for perks. While free cash isn’t an available option, there are currencies that can be used that won’t cost you in your pocketbook.

Why do Sweepstakes Casinos Offer Free SC for Users?

One of the main reasons sweeps casinos provide players with regular Sweeps Coins bonus offers is that it is one of the most effective ways to attract new players and retain existing ones. This encourages engagement and allows players to experience the joys of casino gaming without ever having to risk or spend real money.

That said, sweeps casinos are also required by law to offer free Sweeps Coins. After all, sweeps casinos follow a sweepstakes model, which is what separates them from traditional real-money gambling sites.

Can I Turn My Free SC into Real Cash Prizes?  

You can turn your Sweeps Coins into real money or cash prizes. Now, you’ll have to collect a certain number of Sweeps Coins before you can exchange them for real-life prizes. This will vary from site. However, once that threshold is met, you can redeem those valuable coins for cash. A lot of sweepstakes casinos give you the option of receiving your payout via electronic gift card, online bank transfer, or e-wallet.   

Also, you’ll likely need to wager the total Sweeps Coin amount a few times before redeeming them. Again, wagering requirements vary depending on the operator. You achieve the wagering requirement by playing games, which is the most entertaining part of the adventure.  

Finally, you’ll need to complete the site’s verification process. This involves uploading copies of a couple of documents that prove your identity, age, and location. Something like a driver’s license and mobile bill should do the trick.  

In the table below, we’ve listed the minimum coins you’ll need in order to redeem prizes, as well as the wagering requirements (which are the times you have to play through your bonus before you can redeem if for prizes).  
 
These requirements change over time and vary between jurisdictions for casinos. So always refer to the terms and conditions on the sweepstake casino’s site.  

Best Sweepstakes Casino No Deposit Bonuses – Reviews April 2026

We are going to break down our top 5 sweepstakes no-deposit casino bonuses in detail. We’ll also give you some insight into the types of games you can play at these sites, along with a few other helpful tidbits of information. This way, you’ll know what to expect when you claim your sign-up bonus.

ACE.com

ACE.com is a brand-new sweepstakes casino that serves about 500 slot games from over 30 software providers, including BTG, Habanero, and 3 Oaks. Right now, you can claim 7,500 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweeps Coins when you open a new account. You can earn between 0.20 and 0.40 more Sweeps Coins every day when you log in and spin the Daily Wheel. You’ll also win up to 2,000 Gold Coins that you can use to play games like free slots with bonus and free spins bonuses.

Not that you’ll need to, but you can kickstart your coin stack by participating in ACE.com’s first purchase offer. You’ll get 50,000 Gold Coins plus 25 Sweeps Coins for just $9.99. Each Sweeps Coin offers a value of $1. You can redeem a minimum of 10 SC using a gift card, or a minimum of 75 SC for a bank transfer. Redemptions are normally processed within 5 days.

High 5

Launched in 2023, High 5 is a popular sweeps casino with over 1,700 games from 25 top-tier providers, including Evolution, IGT, Relax Gaming, and many exclusive High 5 slots. You’ll find an excellent range of game types, such as slots, Plinko, Slingo, table games, and loads of live dealer games. It’s one of the most complete sweepstakes casinos around.

New players will receive 5 million Gold Coins along with 1 SC to start with. You can then log in each day to instantly earn an additional 0.5 SC. For more value, you can purchase the Starter Pack for $4.99. It includes 75 Gold Coins, 15 Sweeps Coins, and a 0.5 SC daily login bonus for 4 days. Each Sweeps Coin is worth $1. You can redeem a minimum of 50 SC using a gift card, or a minimum of 100 SC to receive your prize through a bank transfer. Processing usually takes between 1 and 5 days.

Fliff

Fliff has been around since 2018, and it boasts a collection of 1,000+ games from 28 providers. This includes slots, table games, and a broad range of live dealer games. The site also offers a solid selection of original, in-house slot games with bonus rounds. Ideal for those who relish variety. Coincidentally, Fliff also offers social sports betting.

If you sign up now, Fliff will instantly credit your account with 5,000 Gold Coins and 1 Sweeps Coin. Logging in each day will reward you with an additional 1,000 GC and 0.10 Sweeps Coins. To top it off, you can claim free coins every two hours. For just $4.99, you’ll get 350,000 Gold Coins plus 150 Sweeps Coins. You need a minimum of 50 Sweeps Coins to make a redemption. You should receive your prize money within 3 to 5 days.

Stake

Stake went live in 2017, and it’s one of the most popular sweepstakes casinos in the US. You’ll receive 10,000 Gold Coins and 1 Sweeps Coin when you sign up. You can then claim the same amount of both every day when you log in.

You can play free online slot games with your bonus SC and GC, as well as about 4,000 other games from Play’n Go, Evolution, Pragmatic Play, and nearly 40 more providers. The game collection is very diverse. It’s got slots, table games, live dealer options, Plinko, Crash, Mines, scratchers, and a strong assortment of Stake Originals, like The Bandit, 5 Little Pigs, and Cyber Runner.

You need to have at least 5 SC to make a redemption. Stake doesn’t place a limit on how much you can redeem, except in Florida, where redemptions are limited to $5,000. You must also satisfy a reasonable 3X wagering requirement.

Jackpota

Jackpota came online in 2024, and it is among the most generous sweeps sites when it comes to sweepstakes casino bonuses. You’ll earn 7,500 Gold Coins plus 2.5 Sweeps Coins for signing up. Each daily login will earn you an additional 1,500 GC and 0.20 SC.

Jackpota has one of the most potentially lucrative first purchase offers. You’ll receive 80,000 GC, 40 SC, and 75 free SC spins for $19.99. If you want to earn even more free SC, try referring a friend. Each successful referral can net you up to 200,000 and 100 SC. Full details can be found in the “Together is Better” offer on Jackpota’s promotions page.

With all of those SCs and GCs, you can play over 1,500 games from 20+ software developers. This includes over 20 Megaways slots and 20 live dealer games, including Gravity Roulette, Adventures Beyond Wonderland, and Buffalo Blitz Live.

How to Claim a Sweepstakes No Deposit Bonus

Claiming sweepstakes bonuses is a cinch and shouldn’t take more than a few seconds. While the precise steps may be a bit different at each site, they all follow the same easy-going rhythm.

Redeem your SC: Provided you have satisfied the site’s redemption conditions, you can redeem your SC in your account profile. Simply select a payment method, enter the amount of SC you’d like to redeem, and follow any further on-screen instructions to submit the redemption request. The operator will process the request and send you your money.

Select your bonus: Select the link to any bonus listed on the table near the top of this page. This will redirect you to your chosen casino.

Register: Hit the “Sign Up” or similar icon at the top of the casino’s main page to trigger the registration form. Fill out the required information and submit the form.

Claim your bonus: After you’ve logged in for the first time, you’ll be prompted to claim your sign-up bonus. In some cases, it will be automatically credited to your account.

Get verified: Before you start playing, go into your account profile and select the “Verification” tab. Follow the instructions on the screen to upload the required documentation. Remember, you won’t be able to redeem your Sweeps Coins unless you’ve been verified.

Start playing: You can now play all of your favorite casino games using your desktop or mobile device. The games look great and run smoothly on both platforms.

Sweepstakes Casino No-Deposit Bonus FAQs  

The post Best Sweepstakes Casino No Deposit Bonus & Promos for April 2026 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Sweepstakes casinos are taking the online gambling world by storm. As newcomers flood to these free online casinos, there’s a lot of confusion about what they are, how they work, and if they are legal. On this page, we’re going to answer all those questions and more. And we’ll even introduce you to some of the best free online gambling sites in the US.  

Quick Take: Sweepstakes Casinos in 2026

Sweepstakes casinos let you play casino-style games using free promotional coins instead of real money, with the chance to redeem Sweeps Coins for cash prizes. They’re legal in most US states and are a popular alternative for players who want casino-style gameplay without traditional gambling restrictions.

Top picks for 2026:

Best Overall Sweepstakes Casino:
High 5 Casino : Huge game library, strong bonuses, and a long track record in the sweepstakes space.

Best DFS-Style Sweepstakes Platform:
Chalkboard : A sweepstakes-based daily fantasy experience that feels familiar to DFS players.

Best Social Casino:
Chanced Social Casino is a sweepstakes-style platform where players can enjoy casino games with virtual currency and redeem prizes where permitted.

Best Virtual Coins Sweepstakes Casino:
Punt Social Casino offers a similar experience, giving users access to slots and other games using virtual coins with the chance to redeem rewards in eligible regions.

A List of the Top 11 Sweepstakes Casinos in the US 2026

Looking for the best sweepstakes casinos in the US? We’ve rounded up the top 11 platforms for 2026, including the biggest bonuses, game variety, and payout options. Whether you’re playing for fun or aiming to redeem Sweeps Coins for prizes, these sites are the cream of the crop.

Popular Sweepstakes Casinos in More Depth 

You’re really not going to go wrong with any of the free online casinos listed above, but there are some brands that we think stand out from the crowd. Below, we’ll take a deeper dive into our 5 best free casino sites and explain why they deserve their position.  

ACE.com 

ACE is one of the newest online free casinos and made its debut in mid-2025. New players joining ACE for the first time get a no purchase reward of 7,500 GC and 2.5 SC from the start and a free spin on the Reward Wheel. There is also a welcome offer for purchases, providing a 150% boost on some coin packages.  

You’ll also be able to claim ongoing free coins bonuses, including daily login coins, mail-in requests, and a referral bonus. There are 400 games available on ACE, which is fewer than other major sweeps casinos, but allows players to explore specialist slots from Games Global, Thunderkick, and NetGaming.  

One of the standout features of ACE.com is its sitewide jackpot network, which has a top potential win of 100,000 Sweeps Coins. Purchase methods for additional coins include debit cards like Visa/Mastercard, bank transfer, and Apple Pay. You can only redeem coins using bank transfers, with redemptions taking 3 to 5 business days.  

Best for: Welcome Bonus 

• Games: 400+ 

• Purchase Methods: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Apple Pay 

• Redemption Methods: Bank Transfers, Gift Cards 

• Redemption Time: Instant-5 days 

• Customer Support: Live Chat, Email, Phone, X 

Pros: 

• Instant gift card redemption 

• Generous welcome bonus 

• Games from 33 leading software providers 

Cons: 

• No VIP program 

• Fewer games than competitors 

• Limited banking options 

Our Score: 4.6/5.0 

High 5 

HIGH 5 FREE ONLINE CASINO

CLAIM 600 Diamonds, 250 Game Coins + 5 FREE Sweeps Coins Participating States

CLAIM OFFER

NEW PLAYER OFFER

600 Diamonds & 250 Game Coins + 5 FREE Sweeps Coins

VIRTUAL CREDITS

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High 5 has been one of the best free online casinos since opening back in 2012, making it one of the longest-standing social casinos. It is also one of the most unique, as it serves as a showcase for High 5 Games slots, offering a full catalog of titles from the developer. But players can also enjoy slots, live dealer tables, and other options from providers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution, IGT, and more.  

With over 1,500 games in total, you’ll have plenty of choice, alongside tons of bonuses that help you keep playing for free. First up is the no purchase reward of 5 Sweeps Coins, 250 Game Coins and 600 Diamonds when you register. From there, this is a first purchase boost if you want to buy coins, alongside regular free coins promos like daily free credits, a VIP program, mail-in, social media giveaways, and a referral bonus.  

High 5 also has a flexible selection of payment options, but redemptions can be on the slower side, taking 3 to 10 business days.  

Best for: Wide Game Selection 

• Games: 1,500+ 

• Purchase Methods: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, Trustly, Skrill 

• Redemption Methods: Skrill, eCheck 

• Redemption Time: 1-2 days 

• Customer Support: Live Chat, Email, X 

Pros: 

• Large game selection 

• Huge game library  

• Variety of banking methods 

Cons: 

• No phone support 

• Small table game selection 

• No gift card redemption  

Our Score: 4.3/5.0 

McLuck 

McLuck launched in 2023, and quickly built its reputation as a leading casino among sweepstakes players in North America. This sweepstakes casino provides the best of both worlds, combining a quality and quantity of games, with over 700 titles from more than ten of the industry’s top software providers. With a sleek native app, an attractive no-deposit bonus that will get you playing for free in no time and some of the industry’s most generous coin bundles, it’s obvious why McLuck sweepstakes casino became so popular with players since it launched.  

Best for: Playing on Mobile 

• Games: 700+ 

• Purchase Methods: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, Google Pay 

• Redemption Methods: Cash 

• Redemption Time: 1-2 business days 

• Customer Support: Live Chat, Phone, Email, X 

Pros: 

• iOS and Android app 

• Dedicated live casino section from Iconic21 

• Generous no-deposit bonus 

Cons: 

• Coins can only be purchased with a credit card 

• Chat support restricted to depositing players 

•  Restricted in many states 

Our Score: 4.4/5.0 

Stake 

If you ask many people what the best free online casino is, Stake.us will be a common answer. Debuting in 2022, this is one of the best-known sweepstakes casinos and is the social version of the full casino giant Stake.com. 

Cryptocurrency support is perhaps the defining feature of Stake, with purchases and redemptions available through over a dozen digital coins. This gives Stake an edge because it can often deliver redemptions instantly or within hours. The platform also allows purchases/redemptions through more conventional methods.  

Stake provides 250,000 GC and 25 SC for new players with no purchase necessary, but bigger no-deposit bonuses are available through promo codes. There are also first-purchase boosts if you want to buy more coins. This social casino is known for its in-house Stake games alongside slots, live dealers and table games, comprising a huge library of games. 

Best for: Cryptocurrency Payments 

• Games: 2,000+ 

• Purchase Methods: various cryptocurrencies, credit cards, bank transfers.   

• Redemption Methods: cryptocurrencies 

• Redemption Time: instant 

• Customer Support: Live Chat, Email, X 

Pros: 

• Cryptocurrency payment 

• Instant redemptions  

• Large game library with exclusive titles 

Cons: 

• No phone support 

• No mobile app 

• Unavailable in many states 

Our Score: 4.4/5.0 

Jackpota 

Jackpota launched in 2024 and has wasted no time in becoming one of the leading free casinos for US players. There is an in-house progressive jackpot running on Jackpota that can reach up to 100,000 Sweeps Coins. Promotions are strong, including a 7,500 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweeps Coins welcome offer when you open your account. You can always play for free with Gold Coins, including bonuses such as referral promos, email offers, daily login credits, and more.  

Even if you aren’t on the jackpot hunt, you’ll be able to choose from a catalog of 700+ games from notable studios like Pragmatic Play, Relax Gaming, BGaming, and Novomatic. Alongside slots, there are other options, including game shows and live casino games. Arcade games like Plinko and scratchcards bring some rapid-fire fun to the game selection. Jackpot players can purchase Gold Coins for additional play and redeem Sweeps Coins.  

Best for: Progressive Jackpots 

• Games: 700+ 

• Purchase Methods: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, Google Pay.   

• Redemption Methods: Gift cards, Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, Google Pay. 

• Redemption Time: 2-5 days 

• Customer Support: Live Chat,  Phone, Email, X 

Pros: 

• Progressive jackpot slots  

• 48-hour redemptions  

• Gift card redemption 

Cons: 

• No mobile app 

• High minimum redemption for non-gift card options 

• No table games 

Our Score: 4.2/5.0 

What are Sweepstakes Casinos? 

Sweepstakes casinos are online sites that allow people to enjoy casino-style games for free using a promotional sweepstakes model instead of real-money gambling. Players get two types of virtual currency, one that allows free gameplay and the other that can also be redeemed for cash or other prizes. Because this model does not involve direct wagers, the best free online casinos can operate in more states than standard online casinos.  

Sweepstakes Casinos vs Traditional Online Casinos 

Traditional online casinos require players to deposit real money and are under tight regulations and licenses, while also being available in only a handful of states.  

Sweepstakes casinos use promotional rules where payments involve purchasing Gold Coin (GC) packages instead. Players cannot withdraw winnings from a sweepstakes platform, but they can redeem Sweeps Coins (SC) prizes. You may see similar gaming options, but sweepstakes casinos are generally more casual and focus on low-pressure gaming.  

Sweepstakes Casinos vs Social Casinos 

Social casinos only use the free GC model and remove the promotional sweepstakes. Users can only play games purely for entertainment and can never redeem anything for cash. The best free casino sites focus on pure casual gaming, while sweepstakes casinos have more incentive-driven models.  

List of Pros and Cons of Sweeps Cash Casinos vs Real Money Casinos 

How Do Sweepstakes Casinos Work? 

Online free casinos using a sweepstakes model may seem confusing at first, especially if you’re new to the concept or more used to playing at traditional real-money online casinos. So, now is a great time to take a deeper look at exactly how sweepstakes casinos work.  

Sweepstakes Currency: Gold Coins vs Sweeps Coins 

All of the brands in our best free online casino list use two types of currency, usually known as Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC): 

• Gold Coins are a credit that you can use to access free games at a sweepstakes casino. You can claim them for free in bonuses or by purchasing them directly. GCs have no real work value, so they are for entertainment only, and you cannot redeem them for cash.  

• Sweeps Coins are purely promotional tokens that you get by claiming free casino bonuses or playing games. You cannot purchase SC directly, but they are sometimes given as a promotion in Gold Coins packages. Sweeps Coins have real money value, and you can potentially redeem them for cash rewards.  

Purchasing Coins vs Playing for Free 

The core of a sweepstakes casino is a free-to-play model that allows players to access games for entertainment. This is possible by using Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins that you get from promotions. You can play the best online casino games for free by claiming promos such as daily login coins, referral bonuses, social media giveaways, email offers, and email requests.  

While top sweepstakes casinos give players lots of free coins, there is not an unlimited flow on all platforms. If you want to extend your game time or simply have more coins to play, you can choose to purchase Gold Coins packages. There is no obligation to ever buy coins, but bundles usually come with promotional Sweeps Coins too.  

Redeeming Sweeps Coins 

Sweeps Coins are redeemable for cash rewards, but you’ll first need to meet the minimum redemption amount. On most of the best free gambling sites, the minimum will be from 50 SC to 100 SC. The casino will convert the Sweeps Coins into a cash value, with most brands offering a conversion of 1 SC to $1. You can redeem that cash value by using one of the available payment methods.  

Joining Sweeps Casinos and KYC Checks 

Sweepstakes casinos do not always have the same registration requirements as standard iGaming sites, and many times, you can sign up with just an email address. However, there are still verification and Know Your Customer (KYC) checks. This starts with geolocation requirements that show you are playing from a state where the sweeps casino is active. You will usually need to verify yourself before you redeem SC by giving proof of ID and address.  

How to get Free Sweeps Coins 

At our recommended sweeps sites, you’ll find plenty of regular bonuses that reward SC alongside Gold Coins, including daily login credits, email giveaways, social media coin drops, competitions, loyalty schemes, and referral promos. 

If you do decide to purchase Gold Coins, most casinos also give free bonus SC to help boost your sweeps balance. Knowing what the best free casino games are is important because sites have slots that you can play using SC and then claim SC if you win. 

Games That Usually Pay Sweeps Coins

Not every game at a sweepstakes casino lets you play with Sweeps Coins. Some games are just for fun, while others give you a chance to win coins you can redeem. Here’s where Sweeps Coin play is most common:

• Slots
  Slots are the easiest and most popular way to use Sweeps Coins. Many slots let you choose between Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins before you spin.
• Instant-win games
  Games like Plinko, scratch cards, crash games, and spin wheels often support Sweeps Coins. These are fast, simple, and popular with casual players.
• Table games
  Some sweepstakes casinos offer blackjack, roulette, or baccarat with Sweeps Coins, but options can be limited and usually come with higher minimums.
• Live dealer games
  A few sites offer live dealer games that allow Sweeps Coins. These feel more like a real casino, but they often have stricter rules and higher play limits.

Before you start playing, it’s always a good idea to check the game rules. That way, you know if Sweeps Coins are allowed and avoid wasting time on games that don’t pay out.

What Types of Bonuses Do Sweeps Casinos Offer? 

Promotions are vital to the best free casino apps as they are a way to get extra coins to keep playing for free. If you really want, you can only claim bonuses and never need to purchase additional coins. You’ll find the following bonuses available on most sweepstakes casinos: 

Welcome Bonuses 

There are two types of welcome bonuses at sweepstakes casinos. The first is a no deposit bonus that the casino gives you completely for free when you register and verify your email. This will usually be a small amount of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. There will usually also be a first purchase offer, which offers a discount and boost on a GC package with bonus Sweeps Coins on top.  

Leagues and Leaderboards 

Many sweeps and social casinos have tournaments and leaderboards where you accumulate points as you play. Slot leagues are the most common, where players start with the same number of coins and play through the competition. Players who rank highest on the leaderboard by the end of the tournament win a huge number of GC and/or SC.  

Social Media Contests 

Sweepstakes sites are usually very active on social media platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram. It really pays to follow free casinos on socials as you can pick up free coins, free spins on slots, and other big rewards.  

Refer a Friend Bonuses 

A referral bonus is a simple concept where you claim a reward if one of your contacts registers with the free online casino and makes a purchase. You will be given a referral code to share with friends, and they must use this code when they sign up.  

Sweepstakes Casino Payment and Deposit 

Purchase payment options vary a lot at sweepstakes casinos, much more than on traditional iGaming sites. Some free casino platforms have a broad range of options, while others are much more limited. Most brands support debit/credit cards and bank transfers, while some may extend options to e-wallets and even cryptocurrencies.  

Comparing Payment Options at Top Sweeps Casinos: 

Are Cryptocurrencies Commonly Accepted at Sweepstakes Casinos? 

Some sweepstakes casinos, such as Stake.us, allow you to purchase coin bundles and redeem prizes via cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. With this type of payment method, players can benefit from anonymous payments and swift transactions. 

How Fast Do Sweepstakes Casinos Pay Out? 

Players can redeem real-life prizes through Sweeps Coins, but redemption cash-out times can be slower compared to real-money gambling sites. Payment options can also vary widely, and most sweepstakes casinos only support options like bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and e-wallets. 

Common Sweepstakes Casino Mistakes New Players Make

Sweepstakes casinos are easy to join, but first-time players often make a few simple mistakes that can lead to confusion or frustration. Avoiding these early can make your experience much smoother.

• Thinking every game pays Sweeps Coins
  At sweepstakes casinos, some games are just for fun using Gold Coins. If your goal is to redeem prizes, make sure the game allows Sweeps Coin play.
• Not checking the minimum redemption amount
  Most sweepstakes casinos require you to earn a certain number of Sweeps Coins, usually 50 or 100, before you can cash out.
• Waiting too long to verify your account
  You can usually play right away, but sweepstakes casinos will ask for ID before approving redemptions. Doing this early helps avoid delays later.
• Assuming sweepstakes casinos work like real-money casinos
  These sites use a promotional model, not direct gambling. Redemptions, bonuses, and rules work differently than traditional online casinos.
• Ignoring state restrictions
  Even though sweepstakes casinos are legal in most states, some states restrict or ban them. Always double-check that your state allows sweepstakes casino play.

Taking a few minutes to understand how sweepstakes casinos work can save you time and help you get more out of your free play.

Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal? 

One of the main benefits of free online gambling sites like sweepstakes casinos is that they are more widely available than real-money casino platforms. That’s because they operate according to promotional contest laws (where no purchase is necessary), not real-money gambling regulations. Because of this, sweepstakes casinos are available in most US states without the need for a gambling license.  

Which States Have Regulated Against Sweepstakes Casinos? 

There are some states that have banned or restricted sweepstakes casinos: 

• Montana SB 555, effective Oct 1, 2025, bans dual-currency sweepstakes platforms.  

• Connecticut SB 1235, effective Oct 1, 2025, criminalizes sweepstakes casino operations.  

• New Jersey Legislation outlaws sweepstakes-style dual-currency gaming.  

• California AB 831, effective Jan 1, 2026, bans sweepstakes platforms using Gold + Sweeps Coins.  

• Washington Already enforces strict gambling laws that prohibit sweepstakes casinos.  

• Idaho Allows Gold Coin games but prohibits redeemable Sweeps Coins / cash prizes. 

Currently, sweepstakes casinos are operational in Virginia. But, the state is weighing legalizing Virginia online casinos while also trying to establish a Virginia Gaming Commission that could target a sweepstakes ban in formed. We will keep this guide updated on every legal change we hear about. But note that before playing at any sweepstakes casino, you must check if it is not prohibited in your jurisdiction. 

What do we look at When Reviewing Sweepstakes Casinos? 

Free online casinos are a fast-growing sector, and dozens of sweepstakes operators are on the market. Choosing the best sites requires an expert eye. That’s why we use a strict review process that is the same for each casino we test. Our team of industry experts covers the following factors to ensure fair ratings for each brand: 

• Security is your first priority, and while sweeps sites aren’t required to hold gambling licenses, our team looks for fair game testing and security measures like SSL encryption.  

• Games are important because they are the main source of entertainment. We like sweepstakes casinos that offer a broad range of slots and other categories like live dealer tables.  

• Bonuses allow you to keep playing for free and for longer, so we always provide our opinions on free casino rewards. Our team also provides a breakdown of promo T&Cs.  

• Payments can be a sticking point on sweepstakes casinos; we check casinos to see which payment options are available and how long it takes to redeem prizes.  

• Support should be available on all top free casinos. Our team tests all contact options, including live chat and FAQ sections.  

Why Trust our Reviews? 

Our review system is designed to find what is good and bad in all the free casinos we test. And we never recommend a casino randomly. Each site has been through our strict multi-step review that involves us really using the casino. This hands-on approach allows our experts to give real user feedback to help you compare casino sites more accurately.  

Responsible Gaming at Sweepstakes Casinos? 

The best casino free sites allow you to play without spending a cent, but you still need to stick to the practices of responsible gambling. Even if you’re playing for free, set yourself a time limit and step away from sessions to cool off and enjoy other activities. If you do choose to purchase Gold Coins, always spend within your financial means.  

There are resources you can use to help if you need extra support: 

• National Council on Problem Gambling 

• Gamblers Anonymous 

• Gam-Anon 

• National Problem Gambling Helpline 

• National Center for Responsible Gaming 

Conclusion: How do I find the right sweepstakes casino for me? 

Our top free online casinos allow you to experience the thrill of casino games with the pressure off. You can play when you want and how you want without using your hard-earned money, while still potentially having cash prizes along the way. Sweepstakes casinos on this page are the leading brands, but we still recommend that you compare each site to find the best option for your needs.  

How Sweepstakes Casinos Make Money

Sweepstakes casinos don’t make money by forcing you to gamble. Instead, they earn revenue in a few simple ways:

• Optional Gold Coin purchases
  Players can buy Gold Coin bundles to keep playing longer, but purchases are never required.
• Promotional Sweeps Coins
  Bonus Sweeps Coins are often included with Gold Coin packages, helping fund prize redemptions.
• Free-to-play still applies
  Daily bonuses, mail-in offers, and giveaways are part of the “no purchase necessary” model.

Because sweepstakes casinos use promotions instead of real-money wagers, they operate under sweepstakes laws rather than traditional gambling regulations. You can always play for free, but some players choose to spend money to extend gameplay.

US Sweepstakes Casinos FAQ 2026

The post Complete Guide to US Sweepstakes Casinos 2026 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Ole Miss didn’t even play this week, and The Lane Train still dominated national headlines.

Is he staying? (He should.) Is he going? If he is going, where is he going?

TBD, but Ole Miss certainly is going to the Playoff. Just like Notre Dame and, sorry, Paul, the highest-ranked Group of 5 champion. Diego Pavia better be going to New York as a Heisman finalist.

The clock struck midnight, however, for “Arch sucks” takes, Stephen A. Smith’s SEC credibility and Alabama’s ground game, which, when not playing an FCS opponent, hasn’t been this bad since … 1955?

Those are just some of the 10 things I’m absolutely overreacting to after Cupcake Week Week 13 in and around the SEC.

10. Assessing Lane Kiffin’s options

LSU reportedly has offered Lane Kiffin a 7-year, $90 million deal, with an annual salary of $13 million. Florida and Ole Miss reportedly have matched the annual offer and robust NIL investment.

To be honest, I’ve been more amused by the frantic, daily arm’s race than interested in who has the edge.

Why? At the risk of repeating myself, I think it’s a moot point. I can’t understand why Kiffin would leave everything he has built at Ole Miss, where every goal he could possibly entertain anywhere else already exists in Oxford.

If this were 2021, done deal. It’s not.

We are in the NIL/Portal/Parity Era. Coaches and players no longer need to go to a handful of programs to chase a championship. LSU probably will win another natty, with or without Kiffin, but it will never have another team as great as the 2019 team. That’s just the new and improved reality of college football.

There’s also the reputational risk of Kiffin leaving Ole Miss in the middle of a historic Playoff push, abandoning the place that allowed him to seemingly find peace, plant roots and start building a legacy that doesn’t begin with being fired on a tarmac.

For those reasons and others, I’ve written and still believe that Kiffin is better off staying at Ole Miss, where his name could soon be on the turf at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

I don’t think there’s any chance Kiffin goes to Florida, where he’d never escape Steve Spurrier’s shadow and would have to win 3 national championships just to upstage Urban Meyer.

It’s more difficult to ignore LSU’s history and stranglehold on Louisiana’s best recruits — but it’s also impossible to ignore LSU’s current state of instability and penchant for firing coaches.

If Kiffin goes — again, he shouldn’t, and I’ll only believe it when I see it — it will be to LSU. If that happens, he better win a national title by Year 3 … or else.

9. Finebaum was absolutely right to call out Stephen A. Smith

In case you missed it, Stephen A. Smith believes Kiffin is gone and Ole Miss fans need to get over it. He said it’s easier to win national titles at LSU and Florida than Ole Miss. It used to be, sure, but not anymore.

Regardless of where you stand on that side issue, this is where Smith went off the rails:

In explaining to Paul Finebaum and others on ESPN why Kiffin will leave for LSU or Florida, Smith said this: “I’m going to bring it home, all right. He’s in Oxford, Mississippi, OK? Let’s get this out the way. Listen, ladies and gentlemen, you all can’t say it. Don’t you dare say it Paul, don’t you say it Doggie (Chris Russo), don’t you say it Shae (Cornette). Leave it to me, I’ll say it. The brothers ain’t trying to come to Oxford, Mississippi for the most part compared to Gainesville or Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Let’s just call it what it is, OK?”

Finebaum didn’t react in the moment, but he later addressed Smith’s characterization of Oxford on his show.

“I realize a lot of you did not see what Stephen A. said, but he clearly made it racial,” Finebaum told his audience. “He clearly said, in his words, ‘the brothers do not want to go to Oxford, Mississippi,’ which has been proven to be completely incorrect. I’ve been to Oxford a million times and I think it’s terribly unfair to bring up echoes of yesteryear, the ’60s, and try to portray Oxford as that type of place today. It’s not. The South has changed. You can make your own interpretation, but to dump on Oxford while saying Gainesville and Baton Rouge would be utopia was just baffling to me.”

National commentator Tim Brando also admonished Smith, writing on X that “his words were divisive, despicable and given his pedestal a true reflection of how the self proclaimed World Wide Leader views Mississippi and the South in general. I’ve respected Stephen A’s work ethic and intelligence and have stated such many times over. Words matter and his this morning were reprehensible and will never be forgotten.”

Brando has a daughter who went to Ole Miss and started his career at ESPN.

Media beefs frequently are ego-driven, occasionally staged and rarely matter. (See: Whitlock vs. Stephen A.)

This was different.

Two media heavyweights rightfully calling out arguably the biggest name in sports talk for feeding stereotypes was a meaningful moment. Last week, Smith was among the many (myself included) who called out the Texas state trooper who bumped into 2 South Carolina players. Smith said the Trooper should be suspended and never work another game.

Too bad ESPN stayed silent after Smith’s harmful commentary about Ole Miss.

8. … however, this Playoff take was horrible, Paaawwwl!

It is absolutely incredible how fast the Playoff discussion has jumped the shark.

Fifteen years ago, I was on an island actually wanting a Playoff. As soon as it arrived, I began pleading for expansion while others broke out their bullhorn over concerns that we’d never find 4 quality teams! Now we’re at 12, with everybody in America having a shot … and the noise is growing louder every day about the intruder who crashed the Haves’ party.

This week, Finebaum, a friend of SDS, by the way, blasted the new system that “lets the Group of Whatever in” and “that division really has no business playing” in the Playoff. (He specifically called out the USF and the American Conference as unworthy, perhaps forgetting that USF beat Florida, Memphis beat Arkansas, North Texas beat Washington State, and Tulane beat Northwestern and Duke … this season.)

That’s his opinion. That’s fine.

Finebaum also said: “That’s like letting the Triple-A’s best team into the major league playoffs. It doesn’t happen in any other sport.”

That’s a fact error.

Finebaum knows that literally every other major sport, pro and college, has a path for underdogs to fight for the national championship.

The NCAA Tournament, the single greatest tournament in sports and the blueprint for how other playoffs are conducted, awards automatic bids to 31 conference champions — 31! More than 80% of those automatic bids go to smaller conference champions that, using Finebaum’s football logic, have no business being there?

That’s nonsense. Underdogs staging stunning upsets helped turn the NCAA Tournament into March Madness.

Finebaum specifically mentioned Major League Baseball and NFL as examples of leagues that only put the best teams in the playoff. Are you sure?

In 2025, 3 wild-card teams had a better record than 2 division winners. Does Finebaum believe that the AL Central and AL West champs shouldn’t have made the playoffs?

Last year in the NFL, 4 wild-card teams had a better record than 3 of the 6 division winners. Should those 3 division winners have stayed home?

Last year in the NBA, 5 teams with a losing record qualified for the playoffs.

I could go on, but you get the point. Those sports give everybody the same opportunity to make the postseason. Finebaum knows that. It’s his job to stir the pot. Again, fine.

College football finally has it right. The only way to improve this system is to add to it and expand to 16, not suddenly revoke access to Group of 5 conferences that have forever been on the outside looking in — as if reserving 1 spot out of 12 for an underdog is the worst thing in this sport’s history.

7. Save your Cupcake Week jokes, a’ight?

Was I impressed with Texas A&M’s 48-0 victory over FCS Samford?

You know I wasn’t.

Was it utterly unnecessary for Alabama to play (and subsequently beat the paw prints off) the FCS Eastern Illinois Panthers on Saturday?

You know it was.

But save your faux outrage, B1G Nation.

Last year, 2 Big Ten teams played Eastern Illinois.

This year, Indiana played FCS Indiana State, Ohio State played FCS Grambling, and Oregon played FCS Montana State. They just did it earlier.

If it’s OK for the B1G, it’s OK for the SEC — no matter how loud the B1G talking heads scream into your TV.

P.S.: That rugged B1G Week 13 schedule? Ohio State rested its 2 best receivers — including Heisman contender Jeremiah Smith — because it knew it didn’t need either to rip Rutgers.

6. No, I’m not mad about Alabama’s Playoff ranking

Have you replaced the big screen you broke after the Playoff committee dropped Alabama from No. 4 to No. 10 — behind 2-loss Notre Dame?

I understand being a fan, but I don’t get the outrage in this instance. Not after that Oklahoma game in Week 12, anyway.

Change Alabama’s team colors, peel off the iconic numbers and slap a logo on the helmets.

Now watch that team actually play. Or, rather, watch that team try to run the football.

The Tide can’t. Not against real competition, anyway.

Sure, they ran for 269 yards and 8 TDs against FCS Eastern Illinois, a glorified scrimmage that was less physical than the typical A-Day Game.

Against real competition, however, the Tide are more 1-dimensional this season — and especially in their previous 3 SEC games — than they ever were under Nick Saban. Even when Saban’s dynasty was at its run-the-ball best, its passing game was reliable and potent enough to consistently contribute. Even when Saban switched gears and went all-in on airing it out, the running game never teetered on the edge of irrelevancy quite like this.

Entering Week 13, Bama’s passing game was averaging 186.0 more yards per game than the rushing game. That’s the 2nd-largest yardage gap since Saban arrived — just behind the pass-happy 2021 group led by Heisman winner Bryce Young. But even that team featured a 1,300-yard rusher in Brian Robinson Jr.

Number can lie, sure. The yardage gap isn’t critical if both sides are producing; see 2021. That’s not happening in 2025. Jamarion Miller enters Week 14 with a team-high 410 yards, all but guaranteeing the Tide will fail to produce a 1,000-yard rusher for the 4th consecutive season — and 2nd consecutive under Kalen DeBoer.

Forget the 7 Bama teams under Saban that averaged north of 200 rushing yards per game. Every Bama team this century has averaged at least a modest 120 rushing yards per game. The last Bama team that failed to crack 110 rushing yards per game? The 0-10 1955 Tide.

The Tide haven’t topped 150 yards rushing yet this season against a Power conference team. They didn’t gain 100 in their previous 3 SEC games. They ran for 87 and 80 yards, respectively, in losses to FSU and Oklahoma — which, not surprisingly, were Ty Simpson’s 2 worst games of the season.

Translation: If Simpson doesn’t play like a Heisman Trophy winner every time out, the Tide are in serious trouble and look far more like a questionable bubble team than a Playoff lock fighting for a first-round bye.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but Notre Dame would beat Alabama.

5. 5 ‘locks’ that might not even make their league title game

The greatest rivalry in college sports is Narrative vs. Results.

Entering the final week of the regular season, we still don’t know who is going to play in the most critical leagues’ championship game.

That’s exactly how the NFL draws it up.

It’s still possible that Week 13 league leaders Ohio State, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Georgia Tech and Tulane don’t even make their league title game. Likely? Not in each case, but possible. (MRed has a fun tool to break down scenarios.)

Want chaos? The ACC has it, but it no longer owns exclusive rights.

Georgia Tech could have wrapped up an ACC title game spot in Week 13, but Pitt blasted the Yellow Jackets — and now the Yellow Jackets need help to reach the ACC title game. Suddenly, Miami is back in the picture, but only if, among other things, it beats Pitt AND Virginia Tech upsets Virginia in Week 14.

The Big Ten? Ohio State has been a wire-to-wire No. 1 and has the best odds to win the national title, but if the Buckeyes lose at Michigan next week — more than possible — they would then need help to reach the B1G title game. (Granted, OSU’s lose-and-still-make-it scenarios start with Indiana losing to Purdue, which isn’t happening … but the possibility exists.)

The Big 12? Texas Tech has led the race from the start, but if the Red Raiders lose to West Virginia, they’ll need help to reach the title game.

The SEC? There were so many title-game scenarios heading into Week 13, the SEC didn’t even address it beyond saying nobody can clinch or be eliminated. Week 14 will provide all of the answers. The most interesting possibility? If Texas A&M loses to Texas, the Aggies suddenly need upsets in the Egg Bowl and Iron Bowl to make it to Atlanta for the first time.

The American? There are at least 4 teams still in contention to reach its championship game. Tulane is in the driver’s seat, but nothing is set. This race is particularly interesting because, most likely, it will produce the Group of 5 automatic bid. Any chaos here brings presumed Southern Conference champion James Madison into the picture. If that happens, there will be no silencing the noise about eliminating automatic bids for conference champions.

4. Predicting the SEC’s 4 Playoff teams

The SEC’s math problem came into full focus in Week 13.

With 5 teams ranked in the top 10 of the Playoff rankings, of course the league has a case to get 5 teams in the Playoff. I’ve made that case all season while also noting the math — and politics — won’t allow it.

Let’s break it down.

There are 7 at-large Playoff bids.

Playoff No. 9 Notre Dame delivered the most impressive performance of Week 13, blowing out Syracuse as Jeremiyah Love added to his Heisman campaign with 171 yards and 3 TDs — against an ACC team, not an FCS team. The Irish are a Playoff lock assuming they handle Stanford in Week 14.

That leaves 6 at-large bids.

The B1G will grab 2 of those — the title game loser and Oregon, which handled USC in Week 13. That leaves 4 bids — and that’s not even considering what happens if Michigan beats Ohio State (again) to finish 10-2.

Miami is poised to pass lucky Week 13 winner Utah in the rankings and grab 1.

See the problem? That pretty straight-forward scenario leaves 3 at-large bids remaining — and that’s assuming the Big 12 only gets its automatic qualifier.

I’ll let y’all debate the resumes.

After Week 13, these 4 SEC teams are headed to the Playoff:

Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Georgia and … a fierce fight between Alabama or Oklahoma.

I’m giving the nod to Oklahoma, not only because the Sooners beat the Tide but also because Alabama’s season-opening loss to FSU might be the worst among Playoff contenders.

3. Six … Sevens? Have yourself a day, Arch

“Peyton never did that.” That was my immediate reaction after Arch Manning made the best play of his young career, on the greatest day of his young career, Saturday against Arkansas.

As a receiver.

Manning, showing athleticism that neither of his famous uncles possessed, adjusted his feet to a high pass on a trick play, flipped his hips and feet, jumped and came down with a TD, all part of Texas’ easy romp over the Hogs. We’ve seen 5-star receivers drop passes like that.

Manning’s best play was merely the highlight of his best day. In addition to the TD catch, he threw for 389 yards and 4 TDs and also rushed for a TD. (Yes, teenagers, Manning accounted for 6 … 7s.)

In doing so, he became the first player in Texas football history to throw for a TD, run for a TD and catch a pass for a TD.

He has now topped 300 yards passing in 4 consecutive games — all against SEC defenses.

The preseason Heisman hype was ridiculous. So, too, were the overreactions that he’s a bust.

He’s absolutely going to be a problem in 2026.

2. Diego Pavia, SEC Offensive Player of the Year

How fitting, on Senior Day, Heisman hopeful Diego Pavia delivered the single greatest offensive game in the history of Vanderbilt football.

Pavia was nearly perfect, completing 33-of-39 passes.

He set Vandy’s single-game record with 484 passing yards.

He tied Vandy’s single-game record with 5 TD passes … and ran for another. (So, like Manning, Pavia accounted for, all together, 6 … 7s. Promise, I’ll never write that again.)

Next week, he’ll become just the 4th Vandy QB to pass for 3,000 yards. Barring injury, he’ll break Kurt Page’s record of 3,178 yards, too. With 26 TD passes, he’s already tied Kyle Shurmur’s single-season record and is on pace to become the first Vandy QB to throw for 30+ TD passes in a season.

Along the way, he has led Vandy to the precipice of its first 10-win season.

Words are fine, but give the man the hardware he deserves: SEC Offensive Player of the Year.

Heisman? I still like Jeremiah Smith and Jeremiyah Love as the best players in America, but there’s no denying Pavia is the Most Valuable Player in the country.

1. Dear Shane, it’s a little early for Talkin’ SZN

I realize Shane Beamer has nothing left to play for — and now, not even a sentimental landing spot for his next gig — but this was a bit much.

“I do know next year at this time, we’re going to be sitting here on this Tuesday night, watching the Playoff rankings to see where we are in ranking show,” Beamer told reporters.

Know? There’s overreacting — and then there’s just wishful thinking.

Forget making it all the way to the National Championship Game on Jan. 19. Can we at least get through the SEC Championship Game before Talkin’ SZN begins?

The post 10 things I’m absolutely overreacting to after Week 13 in the SEC appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The school announced the move on Friday. The new deal will keep Alberts in College Station through 2031. Alberts joined the school in 2024 after spending several seasons at Nebraska. While he wasn’t the man to hire Mike Elko, Alberts has nevertheless overseen a historic rise for the football program.

Texas A&M football ranks third in the nation and is 10-0 for the first time in more than 30 years. The Aggies are seeking their first-ever SEC Championship and their first trip to the College Football Playoff.

With one conference game remaining in the regular season, the Aggies are a decent bet to make the league title game. They’re also likely a lock to make the CFP regardless of what happens on Nov. 28 against Texas.

“We’re building something special here at Texas A&M, and my partnership with Trev is an integral part of that,” Elko said of Alberts in a statement. “I’ve truly appreciated his leadership, especially the open dialogue he maintains with his coaches to gather feedback and elevate Texas A&M as one of the nation’s premier brands. This contract ensures continuity in the momentum we’ve already created, and I’m excited about our future.”

Alberts has overseen 2 national championships during his tenure with the Aggies. The women’s tennis program claimed its first in program history in 2024, and the men’s outdoor track & field program won its fifth outdoor title in 2025. Texas A&M has also won 4 SEC championships since Alberts was hired, with women’s tennis winning in 2024 and 2025, men’s indoor track & field in 2025, and softball winning the SEC Tournament crown in 2025. The baseball program also played for a national title in 2024.

“I want to express my gratitude to the Texas A&M Board of Regents, Chancellor Glenn Hegar and Interim President Tommy Williams for their continued confidence in our vision for the athletics department,” Alberts said. “From the moment we arrived, Angie and I have felt embraced by the Texas A&M family and this truly feels like home. We’re fortunate to work alongside extraordinary coaches, staff and student-athletes who pour themselves into their programs every single day. The momentum we’ve built over the past 20 months is real, and I’m energized by the opportunity to continue elevating this department with them.”

The post Texas A&M announces contract extension for AD Trev Alberts appeared first on Saturday Down South.

What, you ask? After double-checking to shore up a hazy college memory, chaos theory states that within the apparent randomness of chaotic complex systems, there are underlying patterns, interconnection, constant feedback loops, repetition, self-similarity, fractals and self-organization.

If that doesn’t describe the current insanity revolving around Kiffin, we aren’t sure what to tell you. Because Kiffin – the chaos master himself throughout pretty much his entire employed adult life – is creating yet another seemingly self-immolating pattern.

In case you lost track trying to keep score, Kiffin is the most sought-after person on Saban’s green earth at the moment. Entire athletic departments and fanbases at Ole Miss, Florida and LSU are simultaneously hyperventilating at their perceived chances of landing the 50-year-old hot yogi/social media influencer who also dabbles in college football coaching.

The problem, we fear, that will result in the combined effect of all this hysteria – either drummed up by the nimble fingers of uber-agent Jimmy Sexton or a more organic groundswell of pent-up glee – is that this will end badly for all but 1 of the involved parties.

Why, again you ask?

Again, chaos theory. Why else would the Family Kiffin be jet-setting on scouting visits to Baton Rouge and Gainesville while the glow of getting to 10-1 by beating the Gators was still fresh?

This has happened before, and over and over again. We saw the result of Kiffin-a-palooza first in Knoxville way back in 2009 – when the recently-deposed Oakland Raiders coach took Tennessee by storm by way of taking wild verbal swipes at Urban Meyer and South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery. Predictably, the whirlwind that Kiffin kicked up only resulted in a 7-6 record that spectacularly backfired when he bolted Tennessee for USC after just a single season… leaving chaos in his wake.

The same trend happened in Los Angeles, as Kiffin went 8-5 and 10-2 in his first 2 seasons at the helm of the Trojans but then mustered only a 7-6 mark in 2012 after being the preseason No. 1 and was then fired on the tarmac in the middle of the night by USC athletic director Pat Haden just 5 games into the 2013 season.

Chaos, redux.

Kiffin became the most prominent enrollee in the Nick Saban Reclamation Project, getting hired to coordinate Alabama’s offense out of the 3-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust era it had lived in starting in 2014. And while Kiffin and Saban got along about as often as the Tide lost games, it didn’t take the Alabama boss long to show Kiffin the door in 2017 after he got the FAU head coaching job – and was too busy recruiting future Owls to work on the Crimson Tide’s offensive game plan for the national championship game.

Now that’s chaos at its finest, somehow figuring out a way to screw up a shot at coaching for a second-straight national title ring simply by not properly working out your 2-week notice.

Mercifully, Kiffin’s tenure at FAU came and went without a ton of hullabaloo – which probably led to Ole Miss figuring that Kiffin had matured enough for another shot in the SEC. Not quite… as his dalliance with Auburn in 2022 might have self-destructed the Rebels down the stretch to the tune of 4 losses in their final 5 games.

Which all leads up to 2025 – and peak Kiffin Chaos Theory unfolding in real time. First, Florida shows Billy Napier the door. Next, LSU bids Brian Kelly an abrupt goodbye. And finally, Kiffin’s Rebels are 10-1 with a very real shot at earning a first-round College Football Playoff bye.

That 3-pronged nexus of unlikelihood is swirling around the Mouth of the South himself like an F-5 tornado, all the while the impresario of it all is busily tweeting out daily affirmations and gleefully giving softball “interviews” to Pat McAfee this week while the SEC explodes around him.

This is a pattern, y’all. It doesn’t take multiple upper-level psychology level classes to determine that Kiffin wants this to happen – needs this to happen – to somehow feel appreciated and loved. Once? Maybe. Even twice in a career? OK, perhaps. But over and over and over again?

This will end badly in Baton Rouge and Oxford when Kiffin takes the Florida job. Or it will end badly in Gainesville and Oxford when Kiffin takes the LSU job. Or it will end badly in Baton Rouge and Gainesville when Kiffin stays at Ole Miss.

No matter what happens in the ensuing days and weeks, the only predictable outcome is that Kiffin will make 1 fanbase gleefully happy while simultaneously setting match to gasoline in 2 other football-mad locales.

Voila. Chaos theory.

Who says you can’t learn about deep topics while enjoying college football, right?  

The post Chaos Theory is in full effect again with Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin appeared first on Saturday Down South.

For this week, the bottom half of the rankings stayed the same, but we had some major shuffling towards the top of our power rankings. Texas A&M remained unbeaten in dramatic fashion. Georgia continues to own Texas. LSU and Arkansas played an entertaining slopfest.

We only have 2 weekends remaining in the regular season, but the good news is that there’s still everything left to play for. No tickets have been punched to the SEC Championship Game just yet.

So, where do all 16 SEC teams stack up entering Week 13? Let’s take a look at our updated power rankings, shall we?

16. Arkansas (2-8 overall, 0-6 in SEC)

• Previous ranking: 16
• Last week: 23-22 L at LSU
• This week: at Texas

Another week, another incredible collapse by the Arkansas Razorbacks. This team just cannot win close out games when it has a lead going into the 4th quarter. It’s almost impressive how bad the Hogs are when they have a lead in the final frame. This school needs some fresh blood. Bobby Petrino isn’t going to get the full-time job. A total overhaul is needed.

15. Auburn (4-6, 1-6)

• Previous ranking: 15
• Last week: OFF
• This week: vs. Mercer

Auburn had the week off and should take care of business against Mercer this coming weekend. The Tigers should feel like they have a good chance of winning the Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium. That could end up deciding whether the Tigers go bowling this postseason or not. Expect Auburn to have plenty of motivation for that matchup, as if a major rivalry game wasn’t enough motivation.

14. South Carolina (3-7, 1-7)

• Previous ranking: 14
• Last week: 31-30 L at No. 3 Texas A&M
• This week: vs. Coastal Carolina

The Gamecocks took an incredible lead in the first half at No. 3 Texas A&M. Then… well, then South Carolina fell apart. Everything that went right in the first half went wrong in the second. How are Gamecock fans feeling about coach Shane Beamer? Social media wasn’t kind during the second half, but we’ll see what happens as South Carolina plays out the final 2 weeks of the regular season.

13. Florida (3-7, 2-5)

• Previous ranking: 13
• Last week: 34-24 L at No. 7 Ole Miss
• This week: vs. Tennessee

This has been the story all too often for Florida over the past few years — the Gators manage to compete against elite teams but can’t finish the job. Of course, that makes it all the more exciting when Florida does pull off an incredible upset, which it has on occasion in recent seasons. But the new head coach, whoever it ends up being, will be tasked with making sure the Gators are an elite team, not just a squad that can compete with the nation’s best.

12. Mississippi State (5-6, 1-6)

• Previous ranking: 12
• Last week: 49-27 L at Mizzou
• This week: OFF

The Mississippi State run defense is a problem. Like, a big problem. The Bulldogs just allowed Mizzou RB Ahmad Hardy to run for 300 yards in a lopsided loss in Columbia on Saturday. They get a week off, sure, but who awaits them in the Egg Bowl? Oh, just former Mizzou RB Kewan Lacy, who is now running wild for Ole Miss. This could get ugly.

11. Kentucky (5-5, 2-5)

• Previous ranking: 11
• Last week: 42-10 W over Tennessee Tech
• This week: at Vanderbilt

Kentucky now has a 3-game winning streak. This was a dominant win over an FCS opponent, but not just any FCS opponent. Tennessee Tech entered with a perfect 10-0 record. Kentucky didn’t even sweat in this win. The Wildcats absolutely have not given up on Mark Stoops. Now the Cats just need a win either at Vanderbilt this weekend or at Louisville during Rivalry Week to clinch bowl eligibility. Don’t count Kentucky out!

10. LSU (6-4, 3-4)

• Previous ranking: 10
• Last week: 23-22 W vs. Arkansas
• This week: vs. Western Kentucky

Needing to come from behind to beat Arkansas isn’t anything to write home about. Everyone has done it this year. This wasn’t a good sign for LSU. But the Tigers did at least clinch bowl eligibility (for whatever that’s worth). Sorry if I sound down, but the only thing worth paying attention to regarding LSU is the hunt for a new head coach.

9. Mizzou (7-3, 3-3)

• Previous ranking: 9
• Last week: 49-27 W vs. Mississippi State
• This week: at Oklahoma

As a Mizzou graduate (have I ever mentioned that fact?), it’s frustrating that it took until the Tigers suffered their third loss of the season to start feeding Ahmad Hardy again. Yeah, I think you, dear reader, could’ve rushed for 100+ yards against Mississippi State. But Hardy ran for 3x that amount, becoming only the second Tiger ever to rush for 300+ yards in a game (Devin West being the other). Feed the guy the ball!

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8. Tennessee (7-3, 3-3)

• Previous ranking: 8
• Last week: 42-9 W vs. New Mexico State
• This week: at Florida

It’s not crazy to think that, if a 3-loss team is going to make the Playoff (without winning its conference championship game like 10-3 Clemson did last year), Tennessee could be that team. The Vols lost to Alabama, Georgia and Oklahoma. If the season ended today, those 3 teams would be in the Playoff. Tennessee hasn’t beaten anyone of note, but that would change if the Vols took down Vanderbilt in Week 14. I’m not sitting here and saying that Tennessee making the Playoff is likely, but if chaos were to happen, the Vols could put themselves in a good position by winning out.

7. Vanderbilt (8-2, 4-2)

• Previous ranking: 6
• Last week: OFF
• This week: vs. Kentucky

Everything I just said about Tennessee also applies to Vanderbilt. The Commodores are in an even better position, as a win over rival Tennessee in the final week of the regular season would be impressive. The problem? Vanderbilt absolutely cannot overlook this Kentucky team. The Wildcats have figured some things out and are now much more dangerous than they were in the first half of the season.

6. Texas (7-3, 4-2)

• Previous ranking: 5
• Last week: 35-10 L at No. 5 Georgia
• This week: vs. Arkansas

The Texas Longhorns got spanked by Georgia, which has become a concerning trend under Steve Sarkisian. He just can’t beat Kirby Smart. The Longhorns would have a very slim chance at the Playoff with 3 losses if they manage to beat Texas A&M during Rivalry Week, but that’s obviously easier said than done. At this point, the running game and offensive line don’t give the Longhorns a chance to win big games.

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5. Alabama (8-2, 6-1)

• Previous ranking: 2
• Last week: 23-21 L vs. No. 11 Oklahoma
• This week: vs. Eastern Illinois

You can only flirt with disaster for so long before disaster flirts back. Alabama hasn’t been playing its best football lately, but has been finding ways to win regardless. Even though the Alabama offense dominated the Oklahoma offense in terms of yards, the Sooners forced the Tide into several crushing mistakes. The mistakes finally caught up with Kalen DeBoer and company.

4. Oklahoma (8-2, 4-2)

• Previous ranking: 7
• Last week: 23-21 W at No. 4 Alabama
• This week: vs. Mizzou

Maybe Oklahoma should’ve just lost the first 2 games of the season like Notre Dame did. Seriously, the way the Sooners have played the last 2 outings (at Tennessee and at Alabama) with their backs against the wall has been nothing short of incredible. Now, only a pair of Tigers stand between the Sooners and the Playoff. As much as I’d love my Mizzou squad to pull off the upset in Norman, I just don’t see it happening (especially if R Mason Thomas is back from injury).

3. Ole Miss (10-1, 6-1)

• Previous ranking: 4
• Last week: 34-24 W vs. Florida
• This week: OFF

I know many (myself included) were expecting the Rebels to win this game by even more. But I think this was a statement made by Lane Kiffin and company. This is the exact kind of game Ole Miss has lost in recent years. This weekend, the Rebels won. And won by multiple scores. That matters. This Ole Miss team is different. If I were a betting man (and I am), I’m now of the belief that Kiffin is staying put in Oxford.

2. Georgia (9-1, 7-1)

• Previous ranking: 3
• Last week: 35-10 W vs. No. 10 Texas
• This week: vs. Charlotte

The Georgia Bulldogs are now officially in the clubhouse in the race to the SEC title game. At 7-1, they’re in a good position to punch a ticket to Atlanta. Alabama holds the head-to-head over the Dawgs, but Georgia has the head-to-head advantage over Ole Miss. There are plenty of strength-of-record scenarios that this race could come down to. However, now it’s just about finishing off a push to the Playoff for Kirby Smart and company.

1. Texas A&M (10-0, 7-0)

• Previous ranking: 1
• Last week: 31-30 W vs. South Carolina
• This week: vs. Samford

Wow. Just wow. How can you play as bad as the Aggies did in the first half and still win? Well, by playing as well as Texas A&M played in the second half, of course. We can talk about style points and struggle wins all we want, but the goal is to go 1-0 every week, and Texas A&M accomplished that in Week 12. This team is a win away (at Texas in Week 14) from its first-ever SEC Championship Game.

The post SEC Power Rankings after Week 12 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

On Friday, Cohen put out a statement to reporters stressing that future scheduling decisions would be based on “what is best for the success of our football program.” The future of the series with Notre Dame has been a hot-button topic for months. Cohen said Friday that USC wants to play nonconference opponents at home “as early as possible every year.”

This year, the Trojans played Notre Dame in South Bend on Oct. 18. Last year, the two teams met in Los Angeles on Nov. 30.

Notre Dame, which has won 7 of the last 8 games in the series, has played USC on or after Oct. 12 every year since 1926, when the first meeting between the 2 schools took place.

“USC is the only team in the Big Ten to play a nonconference road game after Week 4 in either of the past 2 seasons. USC is also the only team to play a nonconference game after Week 4 in both seasons,” Cohen said in her statement. “Intentionally making our road to the CFP significantly more difficult than our Big Ten peers does not align with our goal to win championships.”

Cohen mentioned that USC is the only FBS program to have never played an FCS opponent. She said USC wants to play “meaningful” games and will continue to schedule at least one power conference opponent outside of Big Ten play.

“If that opponent is a rival with whom we share a long and storied tradition, all the better,” Cohen said.

USC chased a payday and left the Pac-12 after the 2023 season, triggering the eventual implosion of the league. Since joining the Big Ten, USC has frequently made a fuss about its scheduling quirks — from kickoff times to opponents.

Head coach Lincoln Riley has repeatedly cast doubt on the future of the series with Notre Dame while the Irish have stressed their desire to continue playing the game.

Cohen said in her statement that decisions on future scheduling will include input from Riley, university leadership, and “feedback from stakeholders across the Trojan Family.”

In August, after an offer to extend the series with Notre Dame, Cohen told the Los Angeles Times that the series was an “important” one to USC and to USC fans.

With the 2025 meeting between the 2 schools the last in the scheduling agreement, USC leadership had been reluctant to give Notre Dame what it sought — a long-term deal. USC first offered to extend the series through 2026, which Notre Dame balked at.

“Our ultimate goal … is to compete for and win Big Ten and College Football Playoff championships,” Cohen said Friday. “Playing 9 games annually in the toughest conference in college football to qualify for a playoff for which future selection criteria remain uncertain, we have a limited number of strategic levers to pull in pursuit of that goal.

“Nonconference scheduling is among the most important of these levers. … For the well-being of our student-athletes, and to schedule equitably with our Big Ten rivals, we want to play our nonconference opponents in the Coliseum as early as possible every year.”

The post USC AD hints at future of Notre Dame series with schedule comments appeared first on Saturday Down South.

There’s still a bit more time left on the NFL schedule, as we prepare for Week 11 (out of 18) to resume on Sunday. But fret not, DFS fans. There’s still plenty of money to be made before all is said and done!

Every week, our DFS experts — Andrew Olson and Adam Spencer — share their 3 favorite college football picks and their top 2 NFL plays from the Underdog app. Keep reading below to see who the guys like this week. But first…

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Week 12 CFB Picks

Here are our favorite college football picks on the Saturday slate:

Andrew Olson

DJ Lagway, Florida QB: Lower than 220.5 pass yards

A week after getting benched during a blowout loss at Kentucky, Lagway faces No. 7 Ole Miss in Oxford. In 6 games away from home, all Florida losses, Lagway is averaging 168.4 passing yards. The Ole Miss defense allows 156.6 passing yards on average at home.

Carson Beck, Miami QB: Higher than 21.5 completions

For all his faults, Carson Beck has high completion percentage of 72.7. Beck’s Miami Hurricanes are facing NC State in Week 12. The Wolfpack have one of the ACC’s worst passing defenses, in which opponents are throwing 37 times per game on average.

John Mateer, Oklahoma QB: Lower than 209.5 pass yards

We’re a month into Mateer’s return from injury, and the passing numbers haven’t been great. Post-injury, he logged his most attempts (31) and yards (223) at home against Ole Miss. Thanks to Oklahoma‘s quirky schedule, Mateer’s first 2 SEC road games have come during the last 3 outings. At South Carolina and at Tennessee, he posted 309 yards passing on 55 attempts. Alabama’s passing defense has been strong at home, allowing 162.2 yards per game.

Adam Spencer

Rueben Owens, Texas A&M RB: Higher than 64.5 rush yards

Texas A&M ran for over 200 yards in the second half against Mizzou last weekend. Owens himself totaled 102 yards on the ground. South Carolina isn’t nearly the defensive force that Mizzou is, so I like Owens to have 65+ yards this Saturday at home.

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana QB: Higher than 241.5 pass yards

I like the Hoosiers to easily dispatch Wisconsin at home. However, even if it turns into a blowout, Mendoza should be allowed to pad his numbers a bit for his Heisman Trophy résumé. He’s in a race with Ohio State QB Julian Sayin and others at the moment, so every yard helps.

Behren Morton, Texas Tech QB: Higher than 251.5 pass yards

Texas Tech should be able to handle UCF at home pretty easily. I expect a lot of running from the Red Raiders in the second half, but look for Morton to have a huge first half. He could reach 252 pass yards before the intermission in this one.

Week 11 NFL Picks

Here are our top NFL Sunday plays:

Andrew Olson

James Cook, Buffalo Bills RB: Higher than 79.5 rush yards

Cook only ran the ball 14 times for 53 yards in Buffalo’s surprising upset loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Bills might want to get back to feeding Cook the ball starting Sunday. There are rushing yards to be had against the Tampa Bay defense. Cook notably hasn’t gone under 80 yards rushing in back-to-back weeks all season.

Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals: Higher than 18.55 fantasy points

Chase has been on quite the hot streak as of late, going for 90 receiving yards or better in his last 5 games. Chase’s biggest game of the year came against Pittsburgh in Week 7, when he recorded 16 catches for 161 yards and 1 touchdown, worth 38.1 fantasy points. Chase gets to face the Steelers secondary again Sunday.

Adam Spencer

Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills QB: Higher than 220.5 pass yards

I’ll piggyback off of Andrew’s James Cook pick. I think this could be a massive day for the Buffalo offense. The Bills need a statement win in a big way after a loss to the Dolphins last week. Give me Allen to connect on a few big plays and put up 221+ yards through the air.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks WR: Higher than 10.5 targets

I like the addition the Seahawks made at the trade deadline, grabbing Rashid Shaheed from the Saints. But JSN is still the top dog in this receiving room. I like him to draw 11+ targets from Sam Darnold in a huge NFC West battle on Sunday.

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The post DFS Picks of the Week: Our top Underdog plays for college and NFL, Nov. 15-16 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The Alabama native grew up a huge fan of the 7-time Pro Bowler. Williams shared with the media on Tuesday the feedback Jones gave him before the win against the Tigers.

“Just talking a couple basic things,” Williams said. “Just to help out in routes and when the ball is in the air, nothing too serious.”

Williams finished with 3 receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown. Overall this season, Williams has recorded 36 receptions for 528 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Williams explained what aspects of the now-retired Jones’s game that he aims to emulate.

“Definitely his physicality and his mentality on each individual play,” Williams said. “He plays like its his last play every play. You could just definitely tell, like, he loves football and just continuing to have the attitude of gratitude day-in and day-out, and you just see it. Your film, you can’t wipe that away, so when you turn on his tape, you can’t miss it.”

Next up for Williams and No. 4 Alabama is a massive home game vs. No. 15 Oklahoma on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET/ABC).

The post Ryan Williams reveals best piece of advice he’s gotten from Alabama legend Julio Jones appeared first on Saturday Down South.

If you’re seeking alternative YouTube TV options for Tuesday night’s Playoff rankings, don’t. It’s not worth it. There are times when it could be worth it, but the Week 12 Playoff Poll won’t be one of them.

Maybe that’s a discouraging thing to say to you, reader of this Playoff prediction column. I don’t care. My objective is to give you the truth.

Last week, I gave you the truth by predicting that Texas and Oklahoma would round out the top 12, and that it would differ from the AP Poll. We had all 12 teams accurately predicted, just not in the perfect order with teams ranked No. 6-9. That’s fine.

This week, we’ll give you the exact top 12 so that you don’t have to watch the rankings show:

12. BYU

After a demoralizing loss to Texas Tech, I tend to think that BYU won’t fall off the face of the earth. Two-loss Vanderbilt and 1-loss Georgia Tech are teams worth watching in this spot, but BYU losing on the road to a top-10 team for its first defeat of the year will provide a bit of grace. The Cougars have that all-important Utah win in the Holy War that should be a buffer of sorts. BYU will likely be tasked with winning the final 3 regular season games, one of which includes a trip to Cincinnati, in order to get into the top 10 before a potential Texas Tech rematch in the Big 12 Championship.

11. Oklahoma

The idle Sooners won’t get a drastic shakeup. They still have 2 wins against teams ranked in the current AP Top 25 and 2 losses against teams ranked in the top 10 of the AP Poll. That’s a combination for minimal variance. Beating Alabama in Tuscaloosa to hand the Tide their first conference loss of the season would change that conversation. For now, though, OU will stay locked in just outside the top 10.

10. Texas

Last week’s ranking of Texas over Oklahoma confirmed that the selection committee values head-to-head when it’s convenient. It’s convenient with Texas, who beat Oklahoma convincingly on a neutral site and has that Vandy win. Both of those victories are better than Oklahoma’s, and I’d argue they’re better than any win that Notre Dame has on its résumé. But with the selection committee putting the Irish as the top 2-loss team based on the response after those “quality losses” to start the season, it’s safe to say that’s not changing.

9. Notre Dame

Eight consecutive wins has given Notre Dame the benefit of the doubt in the eyes of the selection committee. Whether that’s justified isn’t up to me. If it were, I would point out that the Power Conference foes that Notre Dame beat are a combined 7-21 in conference play. Again, I’m not in charge of pointing that out, nor am I in charge of pointing out that Notre Dame’s 2 wins away from South Bend came against teams that are a combined 3-16 overall. If I were in charge of that, I wouldn’t have the Irish as the top-ranked 2-loss team.

8. Oregon

Winning at Iowa is no small feat, especially with how nasty those conditions were. That was a hard-fought win against a 6-win team who has, oddly enough, turned into the best thing on Oregon’s résumé. As it stands, though, the Ducks now lack a win against a team that’s in the current AP Top 25. The irony is that beating a ranked Iowa team knocked the Hawkeyes team out of the Top 25. Oregon is still set up well to get an at-large bid, but that first ranking suggested the selection committee isn’t necessarily sold on the body of work because of how that Penn State win aged.

7. Texas Tech

You could argue that blowing out BYU should have Texas Tech even higher than No. 7. Simply taking the Cougars’ spot might not seem significant, but there’s something else worth monitoring with Tech and BYU. If both teams are going into the Big 12 title game with 1 loss and it’s a grudge match, that sets up a likely scenario in which both teams are in. That’s based on last year’s SMU precedent. Even if the Red Raiders are still outside of the top 5-6, that’s a nice silver lining that didn’t feel as likely before the first ranking.

6. Ole Miss

If you’re upset that I’ve got Ole Miss here instead of Texas Tech, remember this. Whatever gap that existed a week ago has narrowed by virtue of Ole Miss facing The Citadel and Tech blowing out a Top 25 team for the second time. And while “quality losses” are a bit overrated, I do wonder if the selection committee will value Ole Miss losing on the road to top-5 Georgia after blowing a 9-point 4th quarter lead is less of a knock than losing to unranked Arizona State, albeit without Behren Morton. It won’t be surprising if Ole Miss gets leapfrogged, but for now, it’s 1 spot ahead of the surging Red Raiders.

5. Georgia

Georgia being sandwiched between Alabama and Ole Miss makes sense considering that’s where you’ll find the Dawgs’ lone loss and best win. Beating Mississippi State like a drum won’t necessarily help the résumé in a significant way, but it will push back on the trend of playing in nail-biters in SEC play. The good news for Georgia is that it likely still has a loss to give. The bad news is that it has a pair of legitimate contenders (Texas and Georgia Tech) still on the schedule, which means nothing is guaranteed.

4. Alabama

Alabama and Louisville are the only teams with 3 wins vs. AP Top 25 squads, which is why the Tide have overcome that horrific loss to Florida State. As we outlined with Notre Dame, winning 8 in a row packs some punch. There’s a level of consistency that the selection committee valued by putting the Tide as the top-ranked 1-loss team. That’ll still be the case after making sure LSU didn’t feed off interim coach energy in Tuscaloosa.

3. Texas A&M

The selection committee told us last week that Texas A&M‘s win at Notre Dame wasn’t quite as good as Indiana’s win at Oregon. That’s fine for the Aggies. They’re still in ideal position at No. 3 after drubbing Mizzou to knock the Tigers out of the AP Top 25. Sure, Mizzou had a true freshman quarterback in his first career start. A&M also racked up 220 second-half rushing yards against a top-15 run defense on the road. The Aggies are 4-0 in true road games and worthy of being in the conversation for the No. 2 spot, but it’s hard to envision the selection committee reversing course after last week’s initial ranking.

2. Indiana

As IU was facing its first defeat of the season against Penn State with an interim coach, you already saw some of those 2024 narratives resurface. Poke holes in the depth of the résumé, if you will, but that win at Oregon got even better with the Ducks winning at Iowa. Indiana likely won’t be moved off that No. 2 line unless it falters before the Big Ten Championship, though if A&M beats Texas in Austin to get to 12-0, those conversations will be had. Until then, the Hoosiers aren’t going anywhere.

1. Ohio State

Let’s not diminish what Ohio State has done. That Texas win has come all the way back around, and while beating Washington and Illinois on the road in convincing fashion won’t necessarily count as wins vs. the current Top 25, that still added some depth to the résumé. Texas remains the only team to keep it within 17 points against Ohio State, which is why the Buckeyes aren’t in jeopardy of losing that top spot if they win out.

The post Predicting the top 12 of the second Playoff Poll of 2025 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The energy was very high in the Lone Star state in anticipation for this high-octane Big 12 showdown between the top 2 teams in the conference, and Pat McAfee was feeding off that energy from the crowd all morning long.

In classic Pat McAfee fashion, the GameDay host capped off the show by delivering one of the most electric picks of the year for the Texas Tech-BYU game that fired up the crowd inside Jones AT&T Stadium right before kickoff.

“If you step foot in this town one time, you say to yourself, ‘this is a football God’s dream’, and this is God’s country,” McAfee said. “This is the Texas Tech Red Raiders’ time, and I’m rolling with the Texas Tech Red Raiders,” McAfee said, standing up on his chair and ringing a massive cowbell next to Red Raiders’ legend Patrick Mahomes.

This perfectly illustrates McAfee’s elite ability to play into the crowd, and also shows why he’s become such a fan favorite since joining the GameDay crew back in 2022.

The post Pat McAfee gives electric pick for BYU-Texas Tech game to close out College GameDay appeared first on Saturday Down South.